Trump picks Dr Mehemet Oz to lead Medicare and Medicaid centers, trolls say 'there are better options'

Dr Mehemet Oz will work closely with Robert F Kennedy Jr to reform what Donald Trump referred to as the 'illness industrial complex'
UPDATED NOV 20, 2024
Dr Mehemet Oz has been tasked with identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in federal health insurance programs, aiming to significantly reduce spending (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Fanatics)
Dr Mehemet Oz has been tasked with identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in federal health insurance programs, aiming to significantly reduce spending (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Fanatics)

WASHINGTON, DC: President-elect Donald Trump has announced Mehmet Oz, famously known as Dr Oz, as his choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Dr Oz, 64, will work closely with Robert F Kennedy Jr, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, to reform what Trump referred to as the “illness industrial complex,” as reported by People.

Donald Trump selects Dr Oz for national health leadership, partnering with RFK Jr

SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 09: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage during a campaign rally at Riverfront Sports on October 09, 2024 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Trump is holding campaign events in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, a key swing state that holds 19 electoral votes the fifth highest in the nation and number one among the battleground states. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Donald Trump takes the stage during a campaign rally at Riverfront Sports in Scranton, Pennsylvania (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images)

"America is facing a healthcare crisis, and there may be no physician more qualified than Dr Oz to make America healthy again,” Trump said in a statement on Tuesday, November 19.

He highlighted Oz’s Ivy League education and his successful career as a television doctor which earned him nine Daytime Emmy Awards.

Trump has tasked Dr Oz with identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in federal health insurance programs, aiming to significantly reduce spending.

“The health care system costs this country too much money,” Trump emphasized, urging Oz to “cut waste and fraud” and achieve a 25% reduction in the national health budget.

from 2022 when he campaigned for trump: Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz (L) speaks with former U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport November 5, 2022 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Trump held the rally for Pennsylvania Republican candidates including Oz and Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano ahead of the state's midterm election on November 8th. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Dr Mehmet Oz (L) speaks with former Donald Trump during a rally at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, Pennsylvania (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Dr Oz gained national attention as the host of The Dr Oz Show before entering politics. In 2022, he ran as the Republican candidate for a Pennsylvania Senate seat, securing Trump’s endorsement but ultimately losing to Democrat John Fetterman in the general election.

Trump expressed confidence in his choice, stating, “I have known Dr Oz for many years, and I am confident he will fight to ensure everyone in America receives the best possible healthcare so our country can be great and healthy again.”

Public divided over Dr Oz’s appointment to Medicare and Medicaid role

Dr. Mehmet Oz walks the blue carpet at JAY-Z's Iconic The 40/40 Club in partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook at the center of Fanatics Fest NYC at Jacob Javits Center on August 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Fanatics)
Dr Mehmet Oz walks the blue carpet at JAY-Z's Iconic The 40/40 Club in partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook at the center of Fanatics Fest NYC at Jacob Javits Center in New York City (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Fanatics)

The announcement of Dr Mehmet Oz as the new administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under president-elect Donald Trump has sparked a wave of online debate. While some praised the celebrity doctor’s qualifications, others questioned the decision, pointing to his entertainment background and prior Senate run.

One user joked, “Why is this administration looking like a new Celebrity Big Brother series?” Another quipped, “Dr Oz is about to prescribe America a healthy dose of... television?”



 

Others expressed skepticism over his suitability for such a critical role in healthcare policy. “I’m absolutely sure there are better options than a celebrity,” one comment read. Meanwhile, a fan defended the choice, stating, “I’ve been familiar with Dr Oz for a while and I think he’s qualified for the job.”



 



 

Some users celebrated Dr Oz’s appointment, with one commenting, “Congratulations to him really deserve it.”



 

However, criticism of Trump’s decision also reflected broader concerns about celebrity-driven appointments in politics. “Trump is just RANDOMLY choosing anyone at this point,” a commenter speculated.



 

"No physician more qualified and capable” let’s be forreal now," a user said.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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