Elon Musk Applauds Jay Bhattacharya’s Bold New Role as NIH Chief
Elon Musk praised the appointment of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the head of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under President-elect Donald Trump. Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor and health economist, is known for his criticism of COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates, gaining prominence for co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration advocating “focused protection” for vulnerable groups. His appointment has sparked debate due to his controversial views on pandemic policies.
Bhattacharya has also been a vocal advocate for free speech, challenging social media restrictions he faced for his opinions. After Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, he investigated platform censorship of his content. He remains a significant figure in discussions on health policy and public discourse.
Elon Musk expressed support for the appointment of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University health economist, as the head of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under President-elect Donald Trump. Bhattacharya, known for his criticism of COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates, will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, focusing on improving public health. Musk praised the decision on X, calling it a “great outcome.”
Who Is Jay Bhattacharya?
Dr. Bhattacharya is a professor at Stanford University, specializing in health care economics with a focus on vulnerable populations. He has held leadership roles at Stanford’s Center for Demography and Economics of Health and Aging and is a senior fellow at prestigious research institutes.
During the pandemic, Bhattacharya co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for “focused protection” of vulnerable groups while allowing lower-risk populations to build herd immunity. His stance, critical of lockdowns and vaccine mandates, sparked significant debate, drawing criticism from organizations like the WHO while gaining support from some Trump administration officials.
Social Media and Free Speech Advocacy
Bhattacharya faced social media restrictions for his controversial views, later alleging federal overreach in suppressing conservative opinions. After Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, Bhattacharya was invited to examine platform restrictions on his content. He continues to use social media to share his views on public health and policy.