A bold new chapter begins for American public health as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya takes the reins at the National Institutes of Health. The once-censored COVID lockdown critic now stands ready to transform the nation’s premier research institution after his confirmation by the Senate on March 25.
At a glance:
- Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a vocal critic of COVID-19 lockdowns, has been confirmed as NIH Director
- Previously censored by the Biden administration and Big Tech for his pandemic views
- Nominated by Donald Trump in November 2024
- Known for co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration opposing lockdown policies
- Pledges to restore free speech, scientific integrity, and public trust at NIH
From Censored to Confirmed: Bhattacharya’s Remarkable Rise
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, once silenced for challenging mainstream COVID-19 policies, has officially been confirmed as the Director of the National Institutes of Health. The Senate vote on March 25 represents a remarkable turnaround for the Stanford Professor who faced censorship from both government officials and social media platforms during the pandemic.
Bhattacharya’s appointment signals President Trump’s commitment to reforming public health institutions that many conservatives believe failed Americans during the COVID-19 crisis. His confirmation marks a significant victory for advocates of scientific diversity and free speech in medical research.
Senator Jim Banks celebrated the confirmation with strong praise for the new NIH Director. “When others were afraid to stand up against group think & COVID hysteria, Dr. Bhattacharya was a common sense leader. His confirmation is a huge win for American health,” Banks said.
Bhattacharya gained prominence as a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, which criticized lockdown measures and advocated for focused protection of vulnerable populations rather than blanket restrictions. This position put him at odds with Dr. Francis Collins, the previous NIH Director who reportedly called for a “quick and devastating takedown” of the declaration.
Congratulations to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on his well-deserved appointment!
As a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, signed right here on our campus, Dr. Bhattacharya proved he is a champion of evidence-based policies that will “improve health and save lives.”
We wish… https://t.co/ZqZzbO9L1D pic.twitter.com/LomsXp5t4A
— American Institute for Economic Research (@aier) November 27, 2024
A Vision for Scientific Integrity and Free Speech
President Trump nominated Bhattacharya in November with a glowing endorsement of his credentials and vision. “I am thrilled to nominate Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bhattacharya will work in cooperation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to direct the Nation’s Medical Research, and to make important discoveries that will improve health, and save lives,” Trump declared.
The new NIH Director has outlined an ambitious agenda focusing on five key priorities for his tenure. These include enhanced research on chronic diseases, promoting replicable science, protecting free speech and scientific dissent, fostering innovative research approaches, and implementing stronger regulations for potentially risky research.
Bhattacharya’s experience extends beyond his medical expertise, as he also holds a PhD in economics, giving him a unique perspective on public health policy. His leadership promises a more holistic approach to health challenges facing Americans today.
This is truly the most consequential new administration in modern history – and it’s only been a few months.
