Special counsel Jack Smith's legal pursuit of former President Donald Trump takes an unexpected turn as court proceedings reach a definitive conclusion.
According to the Washington Examiner, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted Smith's motion to terminate the appeal in the classified documents case against President-elect Donald Trump, effectively ending one of two major federal prosecutions.
The court's decision came swiftly after prosecutors filed their request, citing the Department of Justice's longstanding policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. The dismissal represents a significant development in the legal challenges facing Trump, though the cases against his co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, will proceed.
The Department of Justice's Watergate-era policy played a crucial role in Smith's decision to withdraw the appeal. This long-established guideline explicitly prevents the prosecution of sitting presidents, forcing prosecutors to reconsider their approach following Trump's election victory.
Smith's team had originally brought more than three dozen charges against Trump in Florida, alleging unlawful retention of national defense information. Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of these charges this summer prompted Smith's appeal to the 11th Circuit, which has now been terminated.
The prosecutors maintained their commitment to pursuing cases against Trump's co-defendants, demonstrating the complex nature of cases involving multiple defendants when one becomes president-elect. This selective continuation of legal proceedings highlights the unique challenges faced by the justice system in such unprecedented circumstances.
The classified documents case dismissal mirrors recent developments in Washington, D.C., where Judge Tanya Chutkan granted Smith's request to dismiss the election interference charges against Trump. Both cases reached their conclusion within hours of each other, marking a significant shift in the legal landscape.
Smith had initially filed four charges in Washington, focusing on allegations of Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and claims of public fraud. Recent Supreme Court rulings had already caused significant delays in this case before its ultimate dismissal.
The special counsel's original appointment by Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 led to these two major indictments, both of which have now been terminated due to Trump's election victory. The possibility remains for Smith to produce a detailed special counsel report before departing from the DOJ.
The dismissals of both cases carry different legal implications for potential future prosecution. While Chutkan's dismissal in Washington was without prejudice, potentially allowing future refiling, Cannon's dismissal with prejudice in Florida permanently closes that avenue of prosecution.
The decision reflects the practical and legal complexities of prosecuting a president-elect, particularly given the DOJ's established policies. These developments have effectively paused major federal criminal proceedings against Trump until at least the end of his upcoming presidential term.
Questions remain about the potential revival of these cases after Trump's presidency, though statutory limitations may present significant obstacles to any future prosecution attempts.
Special counsel Jack Smith's request to dismiss federal prosecutions against Donald Trump has been granted by both the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Washington, D.C. district court. The dismissals came in response to Trump's election victory and the DOJ's policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. While the classified documents case in Florida cannot be refiled due to Judge Cannon's dismissal with prejudice, the Washington election interference case theoretically could be revived after Trump's presidency, though practical and legal hurdles would complicate such efforts.
A razor-thin margin of votes separates two candidates in one of California's most closely watched congressional races.
According to LAist, Democrat Derek Tran has declared victory over incumbent Republican Rep. Michelle Steel in California's 45th Congressional District, leading by 613 votes as of Tuesday afternoon.
The victory marks a significant milestone as Tran, a lawyer and army veteran who is the son of Vietnamese refugees, becomes the first Vietnamese American to represent the district that includes Little Saigon.
The race has been under intense scrutiny since Election Day, with Steel initially leading by 4.2 percentage points before her advantage gradually diminished.
The electoral dynamics shifted significantly during the vote-counting process. Tran's campaign estimated that around 1,690 ballots were yet to be counted, including provisional votes and mail-in ballots pending signature verification. Both campaigns have been actively engaging with voters to resolve issues with their ballots.
Orrin Evans, a spokesperson for the campaign, highlighted their efforts to encourage voter participation, noting that they are contacting affected voters multiple times to ensure their ballots are resolved.
Projections show that Steel would need to win 68% of the outstanding ballots to close the gap, a result that Tran's team views as highly unlikely.
The victory reshapes the balance of power in Congress, though Republicans maintain control. With Tran's win, Democrats now hold 213 seats compared to Republicans' 218, with two races still undecided in California and Iowa.
Speaking about his future role, Tran outlined his priorities. He acknowledged the challenges of working in a Republican-majority House under President-elect Donald Trump but expressed willingness to collaborate across party lines. His immediate focus centers on addressing inflation and supporting working families.
Tran has already begun preparing for his new role, attending freshman orientation in Washington, D.C. He described the experience as intensive, comparing it to "drinking from a fire hose." The congressman-elect shared his commitment to inclusive representation, stating:
It's not just the Vietnamese community that I am going to be representing. It's everybody in California's 45th District and I will do so honorably and with character.
The district, which spans portions of Orange and Los Angeles counties, encompasses Garden Grove, Cerritos, and La Brea. Tran's campaign emphasized his dedication to addressing economic concerns and fostering bipartisan cooperation.
Derek Tran's victory over Michelle Steel in California's 45th Congressional District represents a significant shift in local and national politics. The first-time candidate secured his win with a margin of 613 votes, demonstrating the impact of every ballot in closely contested races.
The election's outcome not only changes the composition of the House of Representatives but also marked a historic moment for the Vietnamese American community in Southern California. Tran enters Congress facing the challenge of representing a diverse constituency while working with a Republican majority under the incoming Trump administration.
A dramatic shift in public opinion emerges as former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden experience opposing trends in their latest approval ratings.
According to the New York Post, Trump's favorability has reached a post-election peak of 54%, marking a six-point increase, while Biden's approval rating has plummeted to a four-year low of 36%.
The Emerson College poll, conducted from November 20 to 22, reveals a significant transformation in public sentiment following the November 5 election.
This notable change represents one of Trump's highest approval ratings ever recorded, contrasting sharply with Biden's declining numbers, which show 52% of voters disapproving of his performance.
The poll highlights substantial demographic variations in Trump's support base. Men show stronger support for Trump at 61% compared to women at 48%.
The former president's appeal spans across different age groups, with particularly robust support among voters aged 40 to 59, where he enjoys a 60% favorability rating.
Trump's popularity among racial groups shows notable differences, with 59% of white voters viewing him favorably. Hispanic voters follow at 53%, while support among black voters stands at 28%. These numbers represent a significant improvement from previous polling data.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, explained the demographic breakdown:
Trump's favorability varies significantly by gender, race, and age. Trump's strongest age cohort is among voters 40 to 59, with 60% viewing him favorably, compared to 48% among those over 70. Notably, his favorability has risen among younger voters, with 55% of those under 30 expressing a favorable opinion.
The poll also explored potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race. Vice President-elect JD Vance leads Republican preferences with 30% support, while other contenders like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy trail significantly behind with 5% and 3%, respectively.
On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as the frontrunner with 37% support. California Governor Gavin Newsom follows with 7%, while Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg garners 4% support. Governors Josh Shapiro and Gretchen Whitmer tie at 3%.
The survey additionally revealed mixed reactions to the 2024 election outcome. While 54% of voters weren't surprised by the results, 46% expressed surprise at the outcome. A stark partisan divide emerged in these responses, with 67% of Harris voters expressing surprise compared to only 29% of Trump voters.
The unprecedented shift in approval ratings marks a significant moment in American political history. Trump's post-election surge to 54% approval represents his highest rating ever recorded, surpassing his previous performance during both his presidency and post-presidency periods.
These findings come as Trump prepares to return to the White House, with 59% of voters approving of his handling of the transition. The stark contrast between Trump's rising numbers and Biden's declining approval ratings suggests a major realignment in public sentiment following the November election results.
President-elect Donald Trump's involvement in Florida politics takes a new turn as he publicly encourages a state lawmaker to pursue higher office.
According to Fox News, Trump has pledged his "Complete and Total Endorsement" to Florida state Sen. Randy Fine should he decide to run for Florida's 6th Congressional District seat, making the announcement through his Truth Social platform.
The congressional seat in question will become vacant following Rep. Mike Waltz's appointment as Trump's national security adviser in his upcoming administration. Waltz, who recently won re-election to Congress this month, will step down from his position to join Trump's team, necessitating a special election to fill the vacancy.
Trump's endorsement came with characteristic enthusiasm as he took to Truth Social to rally behind Fine. The president-elect's message highlighted Fine's alignment with his America First agenda, demonstrating Trump's continued influence in shaping Republican politics at the state level.
Fine's response to Trump's endorsement indicated strong support for the president-elect's vision. Through his social media platform X, Fine expressed deep appreciation for Trump's confidence in his potential candidacy.
The Florida state senator, who recently transitioned from the state House of Representatives to the state Senate through a successful election this month, appears poised to make an announcement regarding his political future soon.
The potential congressional race emerges as part of a larger political restructuring taking place in anticipation of Trump's return to the White House. The vacancy in Florida's 6th Congressional District represents one of several strategic positions being filled as the incoming administration takes shape.
Trump wrote on Truth Social:
I am hearing that America First Patriot Randy Fine is considering launching his Campaign for Congress in Florida's 6th Congressional District! Should he decide to enter this Race, Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, RANDY, RUN!
Fine responded to Trump's endorsement with equal enthusiasm, stating on X:
Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world. It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers. Your confidence is overwhelming and I will have news to share soon!
The developments in Florida's political landscape reflect broader changes occurring as Trump assembles his administration team. Waltz's selection as national security adviser demonstrates Trump's focus on building a strong national security framework for his upcoming term.
The appointment of Waltz, a Florida Republican, to such a crucial position highlights the strategic importance of Florida in national politics. His transition from Congress to the national security adviser role creates an opportunity for new leadership in his district.
The timing of these political movements coincides with Trump's recent activities, including his attendance at significant events such as the SpaceX Starship rocket test flight in Brownsville, Texas, on November 19, 2024, showing his continued engagement with both political and technological advancement initiatives.
The potential entry of Randy Fine into the congressional race, backed by Trump's endorsement, marks a significant moment in Florida's political landscape. The vacancy created by Rep. Mike Waltz's appointment as national security adviser has opened up an opportunity for new leadership in Florida's 6th Congressional District. As these political changes unfold, the special election to fill Waltz's congressional seat will be closely watched, particularly given Trump's direct involvement in endorsing potential candidates.
A sexual assault allegation against President-Elect Donald Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, has drawn significant attention amid his potential appointment to a key cabinet position.
According to Breitbart News, a recently released 2017 police report obtained through a freedom of information request presents evidence that challenges the sexual assault allegation made against Hegseth, which allegedly occurred during a Republican women's conference in Monterey, California.
The police investigation uncovered surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and conflicting statements that paint a different picture of the events that transpired at the hotel.
Multiple witnesses observed interactions between Hegseth and the accuser before the alleged incident, with hotel staff and other conference attendees providing detailed accounts of their behavior throughout the evening.
The police report documented statements from hotel employees who witnessed crucial moments leading up to the incident. A hotel worker reported receiving noise complaints about a couple near the pool around 1:30 a.m.
The same worker observed the accuser, who appeared coherent, guiding an intoxicated Hegseth away from the pool area toward his room. Surveillance footage from the hotel showed the pair leaving the bar together with locked arms at approximately 1:15 a.m.
Several eyewitnesses provided accounts that contradicted the accuser's claims of being drugged. One witness specifically noted observing the accuser flirting with Hegseth, which included physical contact. The same witness reported that the accuser appeared normal the following morning, showing no signs of distress or unusual behavior.
The investigation revealed text messages sent by the accuser to her husband earlier that day, expressing interest in Hegseth's presence at the conference. These messages, combined with her subsequent behavior documented by witnesses and surveillance footage, raised questions about the nature of the encounter.
Former Fox News anchor and attorney Megyn Kelly offered her analysis of the situation after reviewing the police report. Kelly stated:
This smells like utter bullsh*t. All of this sounds much more consistent with a woman who had a booty call.
Tim Parlatore, Hegseth's attorney, presented a different perspective on the events, suggesting that his client was actually the vulnerable party.
Parlatore told Breitbart News:
She took advantage of him. She led him. She was, by all accounts, both video and eyewitness, she was sober. He was drunk. She grabbed him. She took him to his room. And really putting it on, and she gets him into his room. And then the police honestly, when they looked at it, even though she was the one that reported it, when they looked at the video, they considered charging her.
The emergence of this police report comes at a crucial moment as Pete Hegseth faces consideration for the position of defense secretary in President-Elect Trump's upcoming administration. The document, which spans back to 2017, reveals multiple discrepancies in the accuser's account while providing substantial evidence through surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and hotel staff statements.
The investigation's findings will likely play a significant role in the confirmation process for Hegseth's potential appointment to lead the Department of Defense. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigation and documentation in addressing serious allegations against public figures, particularly those under consideration for high-level government positions.
In a major move, President-elect Donald Trump has selected former NFL player Scott Turner to head the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
If confirmed, Turner, a former football standout, may reverse key housing policies from the Biden administration and make significant changes to homelessness programs, building upon initiatives from Trump's previous term, as the New York Post reports.
Turner, 52, is not unfamiliar with significant roles in government. During Trump's first term, he played a pivotal role as the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. This council, established in 2018, was one of the flagship initiatives of Trump, aimed at stimulating investment in designated "opportunity zones."
These opportunity zones were a part of the broader Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Turner was instrumental in driving efforts to help economically distressed communities through these zones. His experience with this initiative could be a precursor to the strategies he might employ at HUD.
In his new role, if confirmed, Turner will be responsible for a wide array of duties. These include enforcing housing laws, managing housing programs, administering rental subsidies, and tackling cases of housing discrimination. This is no small task, especially with the expected policy shifts from the previous administration's directives.
Following Trump's defeat in the 2020 election, Turner transitioned to focus on educational opportunities. He became the chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, an organization with goals aligned to those of the previous Trump administration.
Before venturing into politics and public service, Turner had a distinguished career in athletics. He spent nine seasons in the National Football League. During this time, Turner played with teams such as the Washington Commanders, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
Turner also served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, marking his foray into governance and legislative affairs. His multi-faceted background across sports, politics, and public policy showcases his diverse capabilities.
Trump, expressing his confidence in Turner, cited his experience with revitalizing distressed communities. Trump referred to Turner as an "NFL Veteran" who led "an Unprecedented Effort" to transform some of the country's most neglected areas during his prior administrative term.
If confirmed, Turner's appointment signals a significant shift in HUD's policy direction. His leadership is expected to focus on reversing many policies initiated during Joe Biden's tenure, especially concerning fair housing regulations and homelessness programs.
Turner's expected priorities might revisit strategies employed during Trump's previous time in office, potentially bringing significant changes to rental subsidy programs and addressing housing discrimination cases with a different approach. This nomination suggests a continuation of policy reorientation,” with a focus on stimulating economic growth in struggling areas, as Turner did with opportunity zones.
In conclusion, President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Scott Turner to lead HUD points to a broader strategy to revisit and reshape housing policies. Turner's past roles in government, his time as an NFL player, and his work in public service all combine to paint a picture of a leader prepared to take on new challenges.
As Turner potentially gears up to oversee significant changes in housing law and management, eyes will be on how he plans to implement Trump's housing vision. The combination of Turner's diverse background and the proposed shifts in policy could herald a transformative period in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
A New York judge has temporarily halted President-elect Donald Trump's legal proceedings in response to his team's request to dismiss the charges against him.
Judge Juan Merchan has put a stay on relevant proceedings, canceling Trump's sentencing date as his legal team seeks dismissal based on presidential immunity, as Fox News reports.
Merchan has granted the request from Trump's attorneys to file a motion to dismiss the charges in the case of New York v. Trump.
This decision has resulted in the adjournment of Trump's sentencing, which was set for Nov. 26. Trump's legal representatives now have until Dec. 2 to submit their motion for dismissal, while District Attorney Alvin Bragg has until Dec. 9 to respond.
Todd Blanche, an attorney for Trump, has called for the immediate dismissal of the case in a letter to Judge Merchan. Citing "constitutional and justice interests," Blanche argues that Trump's recent election victory warrants a re-evaluation of the case. The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 is referenced in the motion, which aims to protect the transition period as Trump prepares to assume office.
Blanche further criticized Bragg's intention to continue pursuing the case, labeling it politically driven and detrimental to governmental stability. The defense seeks to overturn the guilty verdict on 34 counts of falsifying business records, citing presidential immunity in their argument. The defense references a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision related to an unrelated federal case managed by special counsel Jack Smith, which addressed the issue of immunity from official acts.
In response to the judge's decision, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, expressed triumph by stating that the Manhattan case was now entirely paused, and sentencing was postponed. Cheung framed the legal development as a decisive triumph for Trump, emphasizing that the American public's election decision speaks louder than the allegations.
Trump's legal team has pointed to the aforementioned Supreme Court ruling, which rendered a decision on presidential immunity in a 6-3 vote, as a basis for its motion. Although the case pertains to a different matter, Trump's attorneys believe it supports their claim that a sitting president should not be subject to legal proceedings for actions entangled with their official duties. The team's argument underscores the potential impact of ongoing legal battles on the functioning of government, both domestically and internationally.
Cheung echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the legal proceedings are remnants of what he called "Witch Hunt cases" against Trump. He expressed confidence that all legal challenges threatening Trump would ultimately be dismantled, aligning with Trump's goal of "Making America Great Again."
Within the backdrop of these legal maneuvers, Todd Blanche emphasized that pursuing the case posed a unique risk. He warned that the continued proceedings could potentially disrupt the effective operation of the governmental system, affecting both foreign and domestic affairs. Despite these warnings, the district attorney's office seems determined to proceed with its case against Trump.
Ahead of the Dec. 2 deadline for the dismissal motion, all eyes are on how Trump's legal team will structure their case. The district attorney's response, due on Dec. 9, will determine the next phase of this contentious legal battle. As the legal challenges unfold, the case remains a focal point of national interest, intertwined with broader discussions of presidential power and accountability.
The postponement of sentencing delivers a brief respite for Trump's legal team while simultaneously intensifying the debate over what constitutes appropriate accountability for a sitting president. The developments are expected to fuel political discourse and shape the public's perception of the judicial process involving high-profile political figures.
In summary, the recent decision by Judge Juan Merchan has temporarily stalled President-elect Donald Trump's sentencing as part of his legal strategy to challenge the charges against him. The defense seeks dismissal on grounds of presidential immunity, citing both the Presidential Transition Act and a relevant Supreme Court decision. As the legal timeline advances, both Trump's team and the District Attorney's office prepare for the next steps in this evolving case.
Television actor Sean Hayes faced a medical emergency that required multiple hospital visits in a single night.
According to Daily Mail, the Will & Grace star had to drive himself to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center twice in one night due to recurring episodes of atrial fibrillation, a serious heart condition that causes irregular heartbeat.
Hayes, 54, who is known for his role as Jack McFarland on the hit NBC sitcom Will & Grace, experienced the heart episodes while at home. His co-host Will Arnett revealed the incident during their SmartLess podcast while discussing health concerns with guest Hugh Grant.
During the podcast episode, Arnett disclosed that Hayes experienced the heart issue in the middle of the night and drove himself to the hospital without waking his husband. The medical team at Cedars-Sinai had to use defibrillator paddles to restore his normal heart rhythm under anesthesia.
After receiving treatment, Hayes returned home only to experience the same issue approximately an hour later. He then made a second trip to the hospital, where he underwent the same procedure again. The actor demonstrated remarkable resilience by attending a dinner engagement later that same evening, as mentioned by both Hayes and Arnett during the podcast discussion.
Hayes has been open about his struggles with atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, in previous interviews. During a 2021 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he shared insights about his frequent hospital visits.
Will Arnett revealed Hugh Grant's comments about jet lag, which led to the discussion about Hayes' recent health scare. Grant had mentioned feeling exhausted from traveling between London and Los Angeles.
As per the Mayo Clinic, AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the lower chambers, potentially leading to serious complications such as blood clots, stroke, or heart failure.
Throughout his career, Hayes has maintained his professional commitments despite his health challenges. His portrayal of Jack McFarland in Will & Grace earned him numerous accolades, including one Primetime Emmy Award and four Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The actor's history of health issues extends beyond his cardiac condition. In 2017, he revealed to Ellen DeGeneres about a separate medical emergency involving his small intestine, which required immediate surgery.
The NBC sitcom Will & Grace, which originally ran from 1998 to 2006, was revived for three additional seasons from 2017 to 2020, with Hayes continuing his role alongside costars Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, and Megan Mullally.
Sean Hayes experienced a serious cardiac episode that required two separate emergency visits to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in one night. The Will & Grace star, who suffers from atrial fibrillation, had to undergo defibrillation procedures during both visits to restore his normal heart rhythm.
The incident, revealed by his podcast co-host Will Arnett, highlights the ongoing health challenges faced by the Emmy-winning actor while maintaining his active career in entertainment. Despite the medical emergency, Hayes demonstrated resilience by attending a scheduled dinner engagement later that same day.
A surprising turn of events unfolds as Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman expresses support for his former Senate race opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz's potential appointment to a crucial healthcare position.
According to Fox News, Democratic Senator John Fetterman has declared his willingness to vote in favor of confirming Dr. Mehmet Oz as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, provided Oz demonstrates commitment to protecting these vital programs.
The unexpected show of bipartisan cooperation comes after President-elect Trump announced Oz as his choice to lead CMS, a key division within the Department of Health and Human Services. This development marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two Pennsylvania politicians, who faced off in a heated 2022 U.S. Senate race that Fetterman ultimately won.
Fetterman's position on Oz's nomination reflects a departure from their previous political rivalry. The Democratic senator expressed his perspective on Twitter, emphasizing that policy priorities would guide his decision-making process. Speaking about their past electoral contest, Fetterman conveyed a mature approach to their relationship.
Trump's announcement of Oz's nomination came with a strong endorsement of the television personality's medical credentials. The president-elect emphasized the urgency of addressing America's healthcare challenges and expressed confidence in Oz's capabilities.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, has publicly endorsed Oz's selection. The collaboration between these two prominent figures signals a new direction in healthcare leadership under the incoming administration.
President-elect Trump outlined his vision for healthcare reform through this appointment. His administration's approach appears to focus on addressing chronic diseases and challenging what he terms the "illness industrial complex."
Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has thrown his support behind Oz's nomination. Paul specifically highlighted Oz's background as a cardiothoracic surgeon and his experience in public health advocacy as valuable qualifications for the position.
Trump elaborated on his healthcare vision, stating:
America is facing a Healthcare Crisis, and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again. Dr. Oz will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to take on the illness industrial complex, and all the horrible chronic diseases left in its wake.
Fetterman's stance demonstrates a willingness to transcend political differences in pursuit of healthcare objectives. His statement about Oz revealed a pragmatic approach to governance:
If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I'm voting for the dude.
The potential confirmation process will likely focus on Oz's vision for Medicare and Medicaid. These government healthcare programs serve millions of Americans and represent a significant portion of federal healthcare spending.
The nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz as CMS administrator by President-elect Trump represents a significant development in healthcare policy leadership. The former television personality and cardiothoracic surgeon could potentially oversee crucial government healthcare programs with support from both sides of the political aisle.
Senator John Fetterman's willingness to confirm his former political opponent demonstrates how healthcare policy priorities can transcend partisan rivalries, particularly when focused on protecting essential programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The confirmation process will ultimately determine whether this unique alliance between former competitors will result in new leadership at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Former TV personality and renowned heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz emerges as President-elect Donald Trump's choice for a crucial healthcare leadership role.
According to Fox News, Trump has selected Dr. Oz to serve as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), positioning him to oversee one of the nation's largest healthcare agencies beginning January 2024.
The appointment marks a significant shift in healthcare leadership, with Trump emphasizing Dr. Oz's credentials as both a medical professional and a public figure. Dr. Oz, who previously competed in Pennsylvania's Senate race in 2022, brings his experience as a University of Pennsylvania-educated physician and his years of public health advocacy to the role.
The position will place him at the helm of an agency that manages Medicare and Medicaid programs, significantly impacting America's healthcare system.
Trump's announcement revealed plans for Dr. Oz to work in close coordination with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The president-elect shared his vision for the appointment through Truth Social, where he emphasized Dr. Oz's qualifications.
Trump expressed his confidence in Dr. Oz's ability to address what he terms the "Healthcare Crisis." He highlighted the nominee's extensive background in medicine and public communication. The appointment represents a strategic move to reshape federal healthcare administration.
In his announcement, Trump stated:
America is facing a Healthcare Crisis, and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again. He is an eminent Physician, Heart Surgeon, Inventor, and World-Class Communicator, who has been at the forefront of healthy living for decades.
The new appointment carries significant responsibilities, as CMS operates as part of the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Oz will be tasked with overseeing programs that comprise a substantial portion of federal spending. The agency's scope extends beyond program administration to include improving healthcare quality and outcomes across the system.
Trump's statement outlined specific objectives for Dr. Oz's role, emphasizing the need to address chronic diseases and reform healthcare spending. The administration plans to focus on disease prevention as a key strategy for improving healthcare outcomes while managing costs. This approach aims to optimize healthcare spending efficiency and effectiveness.
The president-elect further elaborated on his expectations:
Our broken Healthcare System harms everyday Americans, and crushes our Country's budget. Dr. Oz will be a leader in incentivizing Disease Prevention, so we get the best results in the World for every dollar we spend on Healthcare in our Great Country.
Dr. Oz's appointment would represent a transition from current CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. The role involves directing various programs under the Social Security Act and developing relationships between government healthcare programs and private sector initiatives. The position's responsibilities include implementing programs that affect millions of Americans' healthcare access and coverage.
The selection of Dr. Oz reflects Trump's strategy to bring high-profile figures with medical backgrounds into key healthcare positions. Dr. Oz's experience as both a practicing physician and media personality positions him uniquely to communicate healthcare policies to the public. His previous television career, including "The Dr. Oz Show," which ran from 2009 to 2022, has given him extensive experience in public health communication.
President-elect Trump has selected Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, positioning him to oversee crucial healthcare programs that affect millions of Americans. The appointment places Dr. Oz in charge of an agency that controls Medicare and Medicaid while working alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Oz is expected to begin his role in January 2024, pending the necessary confirmation processes. He will be responsible for implementing programs under the Social Security Act and developing relationships between government and private healthcare initiatives.