Dr. Peter McCullough has weighed in on one of President-elect Donald Trump’s top public health picks.

Dr. Peter McCullough, MD, MPH, is a prominent board-certified cardiologist and internist practicing in Dallas, Texas. McCullough has actively participated in discussions with the U.S. Senate and Texas Senate committees, sharing his insights and research on the pandemic’s management and the safety and efficacy of various therapeutic approaches to COVID-19.

In 2021, Dr. McCullough gained international attention following his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. During this episode, he raised critical questions regarding the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 policies, including vaccine mandates and lockdown measures.

Dr. McCullough currently serves as the Vice Chief of Internal Medicine and Chief of Cardiovascular Research at the Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute.

Dr. McCullough has authored numerous articles and studies, enhancing the body of research concerning COVID-19, its treatment, and its broader implications for health policy.

One of his messages, “Robert F. Kennedy Jr is Trump’s Most Courageous and Impactful Nominationsent,” published on his Substack, Courageous Discourse, states, “Kennedy will bring a team of clinical and scientific experts to Washington who will restore the usual processes of leadership including: framing issues, identifying stakeholders, getting expert input, building consensus, then executing public health policy.”

While Dr. McCullough signaled that RFK Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) was important, he also nodded toward other positions to watch.

“Trump has yet to select two important physician nominees who will be essential in support of RFK during the Senate confirmation process: 1) Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, and 2) US Surgeon General,” he said.

Dr. McCullough also advised RFK Jr.

“One of RFK’s shortcomings is that he has a tendency to get ‘into the weeds’ on substantive issues where those more skilled in their medical and scientific domains raise arguments. It will be prudent for RFK to stay at a high level on leadership and the unifying national ambition of Making America Healthy Again (MAHA),” he said.

The RFK Jr. nomination comes after a brief flurry of anxiety in some circles that he could be passed over and confusion about his role in Trump’s cabinet, The Dallas Express reported.

An environmental and consumer protection attorney told reporters in 2017 that Trump had previously promised to appoint RFK Jr. to a commission on vaccine safety and scientific integrity, but the commission never materialized during the first Trump Administration.

RFK Jr. later campaigned against the 45th president in his 2024 election bid, first as a Democrat and then as an Independent. Eventually, the two men joined forces and defeated Democrat presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

When his nomination to HHS was announced on November 14, Trump posted X, “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). …  Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!”

Some figures responded to the announcement with jubilation.

Former RFK Jr. running mate and scientist Nicole Shanahan wrote, “Thank you, President Trump. [emojis committed].”

Houston ENT Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, who the FDA settled with after she sued the agency in federal court for its spreading of misinformation on ivermectin, posted, “Wonderful news!!! Thank you!! [Emoji committed].”

Not everyone was thrilled, however.

One X user posted, “The clown car is getting awfully full! Take note: our government protections for health and what we consume are going down the toilet. Make America Healthy Again, MY ASS!! AP reporting: Trump expected to choose Robert F. Kennedy Jr., vaccine skeptic, as HHS secretary.”

Human 4 Unity wrote on the same platform, “.@DonaldJTrumpJr This is the clearest sign yet that TFG is utterly unfit to lead this nation again. Appointing RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services is a catastrophic move for public health. RFK Jr. is a notorious anti-vaccine zealot whose lies could devastate our pandemic response. His embrace of conspiracy theories threatens to turn HHS into a source of lethal misinformation.”