Trump names former drug exec as new health secretary
The nomination of
"He will be a star for better healthcare and lower drug prices!" Trump tweeted in announcing the nomination Monday morning. Trump has a track record of making industry-friendly nominations, such as tapping former ExxonMobil CEO
But Trump also has been a scathing critic of the pharmaceutical industry, both as a candidate and as president.
Azar, 50, a lawyer by training, has spent most of the last 10 years with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, rising to president of its key
As secretary, Azar would be returning to HHS after serving in senior department posts in the George W. Bush administration. Now he would have to scrupulously avoid conflicts with Lilly's far-reaching interests, from drug approval to Medicare reimbursement. The drugmaker has drawn criticism from patient advocacy groups for price increases to one of its biggest products: insulin.
Azar's nominations to HHS in the Bush era sailed through the
"The Trump administration's track record on health care to date is objectively abysmal," said Sen.
Sen.
Americans consistently rank the high cost of prescription drugs as one of their top health care priorities, putting it ahead of divisive issues like repealing "Obamacare" in public opinion polls.
Trump has been a sharp critic of the industry. "The drug companies, frankly, are getting away with murder," he said at a
In the spring, a Trump tweet sent drug stocks tumbling after the president said he was working on a new system that would foster competition and lead to much lower prices. In meetings with industry executives, however, Trump has focused on speeding up drug approvals, a cost-reducing tactic they would back.
Professionally, Azar has another set of skills that may be valuable to the president. In his previous service at HHS, the
Frustrated by fruitless efforts to overturn the Obama-era health law in
Congressional
If confirmed, Azar would join the club of Trump administration officials from big business. Ross was chairman of a private equity firm he founded and later sold. Last year Forbes estimated his net worth at about
Admirers say Azar's drug industry experience should be considered an asset, not a liability.
"To the extent that the Trump administration has talked about lowering drug prices, here's a guy who understands how it works," said
"Would (Azar) have been better off if he had been meditating in an ashram after serving as deputy secretary?" asked Troy.
Azar spent his formative years in
If confirmed, Azar would be Trump's second HHS secretary, replacing former
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