Trump CMS nominee Dr. Mehmet Oz scrutinized on abortion, transgender views

In a recent statement, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., expressed his skepticism of Dr. Mehmet Oz’s views, particularly on transgender procedures for minors and abortion. Hawley outlined a series of questions that he plans to ask President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) during the confirmation process.

“I’ve been reading up on Dr. Oz – I see he’s praised trans surgeries for minors and supported hormone treatments & puberty blockers for kids in the past,” Hawley wrote on Wednesday. “And has also criticized state laws protecting life. I hope he’s changed his views to match President Trump! We need the Trump agenda at CMS.”

Hawley raised concerns about Oz’s past statements and actions, including hosting transgender advocates on his show and praising parents for helping their children transition. The senator’s questions for Oz focused on whether his views have evolved since his time as a television personality.

One of the key questions asked by Hawley was whether Oz supports President Trump’s position that gender transition procedures for minors should be banned. Additionally, the senator inquired about Oz’s stance on Trump’s executive order barring biological men from competing in women’s sports.

Hawley also pressed Oz on whether he believes CMS has a role in promoting or supporting gender transition surgery and if he would commit to never issuing a National Coverage Determination for such procedures. The senator further questioned whether Oz would support Trump’s efforts to halt federal funding to hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to minors.

Regarding abortion, Hawley asked Oz about his stance on the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade and whether he supports existing laws that prevent federal funds from being used for abortions. The senator also inquired about Oz’s position on protecting conscience rights related to abortion and excluding abortion providers from the Medicaid program.

Throughout his questioning, Hawley emphasized the importance of aligning with President Trump’s policies on these issues. He highlighted Trump’s opposition to federal funding for abortion and the need to uphold existing laws that prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions.

If confirmed as CMS administrator, Oz would oversee health insurance for approximately 150 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or ACA coverage. His decisions could significantly impact the healthcare industry in the U.S. by determining who and what is covered by these programs.

Oz faced rigorous questioning during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, and the committee has yet to vote on whether to advance his nomination to the full Senate. Hawley, who is not a member of the committee, did not question Oz during the hearing but has raised important concerns about the nominee’s views and potential impact on healthcare policy.

In conclusion, Sen. Hawley’s questions for Dr. Oz underscore the importance of ensuring that the CMS administrator upholds President Trump’s policies on transgender procedures for minors, abortion, and other key healthcare issues. The confirmation process will continue to be closely watched as lawmakers seek to clarify Oz’s positions and commitments in these critical areas of healthcare policy.