Jim O'Neill, a notable investor and entrepreneur from Silicon Valley, has been appointed to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His selection is significant for various reasons, particularly given his advocacy for controversial COVID treatments. Notably, O'Neill is not a physician, which raises questions about his ability to oversee critical public health initiatives.
O'Neill is an ally of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and his leadership could facilitate the implementation of the Make America Health Again agenda. During the COVID pandemic, he publicly criticized the CDC and promoted treatments like ivermectin, which lack strong scientific backing. This history has stirred concerns about his approach to vaccine recommendations and public health policy.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated, "We will rebuild this institution into what it was always meant to be: a guardian of America's health and security." O'Neill is expected to focus on restoring trust in public health agencies, a task that may prove challenging given his controversial past. The White House and the CDC did not immediately comment on O'Neill's appointment when approached by Axios.
Before his new role, O'Neill served as the deputy secretary of HHS. His tenure included the ousting of former CDC director Susan Monarez, who had disagreed with the unilateral decision-making of HHS. The departure of Monarez prompted other high-ranking officials to resign in protest, highlighting the tensions within the agency.
O'Neill has a background in biotechnology and is particularly focused on longevity and anti-aging initiatives. He previously held positions at HHS from 2002 to 2008, where he was the principal associate deputy secretary from 2007 to 2008, overseeing food safety regulations. His experience also includes serving as a speechwriter for the health department under former President George W. Bush.
Throughout his career, O'Neill has formed close alliances with influential figures, including tech investor and conservative megadonor Peter Thiel. He briefly led the SENS Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to anti-aging research. In 2023, he joined the board of directors for ADvantage Therapeutics, a company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative conditions.
O'Neill is active on social media, where he has expressed support for Donald Trump and echoed Kennedy's MAHA rhetoric. His posts have sparked debate; for instance, in February, he commented on a report about a researcher conducting self-experiments, stating, "These people think curing cancer is unethical, but vaccine mandates are good. Let's make America healthy again." He has also expressed views on the shifting American cultural landscape, suggesting that anti-government sentiment will persist regardless of electoral outcomes.
As O'Neill steps into the acting role of CDC director, his ability to navigate the complexities of public health amidst a backdrop of political and social challenges will be closely monitored. The implications of his leadership will likely resonate across the healthcare landscape, affecting vaccine policies and public trust in health agencies.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with comments from HHS.
