Trump Surgeon General Nominee Discloses Tobacco Investments Ahead of Confirmation Hearing
President Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general, Nicole Saphier, has disclosed investments in several companies that could create conflicts of interest. According to her financial disclosures, she holds shares in Philip Morris International and three major beverage companies: Monster Beverage Corp, Coca-Cola Co., and Pepsi Co.
In an ethics agreement, Saphier pledged to divest from these companies or reduce her holdings. She also plans to sell stock in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry leaders, including Eli Lilly, Biogen, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Merck, AbbVie, and others.
Saphier's nomination marks the Trump administration's third attempt at filling the surgeon general position. The role is considered America's doctor, responsible for communicating scientific information to improve public health. Saphier has championed removing food additives, cutting ultra-processed foods from diets, and encouraging exercise through her work as a physician.
As director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Monmouth in New Jersey, Saphier will take an unpaid leave of absence while serving as surgeon general. Her Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled for September 16.