Trump nominates aide Heidi Overton to lead US Food and Drug Administration

US President Donald Trump has nominated Dr Heidi Overton, a White House domestic policy aide, to lead the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Overton, if confirmed by the Senate, would replace former FDA chief Marty Makary, who resigned in May after clashing with the White House over the safety of flavoured vapes. "Dr Heidi has been a ROCKSTAR in my Administration," Trump posted on Wednesday. "She is known to take on the HARDEST issues, and bring me solutions that work best for the Country." Overton, who briefs Trump on health issues, spoke at an Oval Office announcement earlier this month about reducing the number of vaccinations required for children. At that event, she criticised "blue states", (states where Democrats control local government), and called on them to follow the "gold standard" laid out in the new White House policy. If she is confirmed as FDA commissioner, she will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including assuring the safety and efficacy of prescription drugs and regulating tobacco products. Overton, like other health officials in the Trump administration, is closely aligned with the Make America Healthy Again movement. She previously served