In a move few saw coming, President-elect Donald Trump announced Dr. Mehmet Oz as his pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This nomination pairs Oz with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who Trump previously tapped to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Together, they’re poised to tackle the nation’s bloated healthcare system.
But here’s the real twist: one of Oz’s most vocal supporters is none other than Senator John Fetterman, the Democrat who defeated him in Pennsylvania’s contentious 2022 Senate race. Fetterman’s surprising endorsement signals bipartisan momentum behind Trump’s bold healthcare agenda.
Fetterman Throws His Support Behind Oz
CNN’s Manu Raju broke the story on X (formerly Twitter), revealing Fetterman’s willingness to back Oz’s confirmation.
“If Dr. Oz agrees to protect and preserve Medicaid and Medicare, I’m absolutely going to vote for the dude,” Fetterman stated. “Our politics are obviously different, and we do have a history, but I don’t have any bitterness. As long as he’s willing to protect and preserve Medicaid and Medicare, I’m voting for the dude.”
This unexpected endorsement speaks volumes. Fetterman’s support could influence other Democrats and moderate Republicans, paving the way for Oz’s confirmation.
Trump’s Vision for Healthcare Reform
President-elect Trump has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with America’s healthcare system, calling it a burden on both citizens and the national budget. He expressed full confidence in Oz’s ability to bring about meaningful reform.
“Dr. Oz will be a leader in incentivizing disease prevention, so we get the best results in the world for every dollar we spend,” Trump said. He emphasized Oz’s potential to cut waste and fraud in CMS, which oversees a third of the nation’s healthcare spending.
Trump’s confidence is shared by key Senate moderates. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) praised Oz’s medical background, noting his fresh perspective as a healthcare provider. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), incoming chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, called Oz’s nomination a “great opportunity to help patients and implement conservative health reforms.”
A New Era for CMS
As head of CMS, Oz would wield significant influence over programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which impact over 160 million Americans. He’s a vocal proponent of Medicare Advantage, a private option increasingly popular among seniors.
Conservative health leaders are equally enthusiastic. Mark McClellan, former CMS administrator under President George W. Bush, highlighted Oz’s ability to inspire Americans to prioritize preventive care. He sees Oz as uniquely positioned to advance reforms that focus on better outcomes rather than more bureaucracy.
Why This Matters
Dr. Oz’s nomination reflects Trump’s commitment to shaking up Washington and tackling inefficiency head-on. With bipartisan support, including from former rival John Fetterman, Oz’s path to confirmation looks increasingly promising.
This is a critical moment for conservatives eager to see healthcare reform that prioritizes patients over bureaucracy. Dr. Oz, armed with Trump’s mandate, might just be the person to make America healthy again.
