Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Surgeon General, is advancing through the Senate confirmation process, securing a significant endorsement from a key Republican senator. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who chairs the powerful Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced his support for Saphier following her confirmation hearing. This backing is a crucial development as the HELP Committee prepares for a pivotal vote on her nomination.
"I do not believe childhood vaccines cause autism." Dr. Nicole Saphier, Surgeon General Nominee
Senator Cassidy, himself a physician, stated on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” that Saphier “did earn my vote.” His endorsement carries substantial weight, given his medical background and his history of rigorously scrutinizing health nominees put forward by President Trump's administration. The HELP Committee is scheduled to consider Saphier’s nomination on Thursday, September 24. Should the panel vote to advance her, the nomination would then proceed to the full Senate for final approval.
Saphier, a radiologist specializing in breast imaging and serving as director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Monmouth facility in New Jersey, brings a public profile to the role. She joined Fox News as a medical contributor in 2018, appearing regularly across the network to discuss health and medical developments. Her extensive television experience has provided her with years of practice in communicating complex medical subjects to a broad national audience.
During her September 16 confirmation hearing, Saphier faced pointed questioning, particularly regarding public health issues surrounding vaccines. Senator Cassidy pressed her for clear answers on whether childhood vaccines cause autism and if the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine poses dangers. Saphier unequivocally told lawmakers, "I do not believe childhood vaccines cause autism." She further affirmed the importance of the MMR vaccine, calling it the country’s "greatest tool for combating measles." These responses appeared to address a major concern for Senator Cassidy, who has previously challenged certain administration health decisions despite his leadership position within the Republican Party. Reuters reported that no Republican senator indicated opposition to Saphier during the hearing, suggesting solid support for her advancement through the committee stage.
The emerging support from Senator Cassidy and other Republican senators, including Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), who described her meeting with Saphier as a "good conversation," and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who urged quick action to fill the vacancy, provides significant momentum for the White House. This push comes after two prior nominees for the Surgeon General position failed to gain confirmation. President Trump initially nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat for the role during his second administration, but her nomination was withdrawn. He then put forward Casey Means, whose nomination also stalled before being withdrawn in April. Saphier represents President Trump’s third attempt to fill the critical public health post.
The United States has operated without a Senate-confirmed Surgeon General since January 2025. While the office does not directly establish federal policy, the Surgeon General serves as the government’s leading public-health spokesperson and oversees the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. This role is crucial for communicating vital health information, issuing public health advisories, and promoting national health initiatives.
During her hearing, Saphier pledged to uphold the law, promote clear and consistent public-health communication, and work to rebuild public trust in federal health guidance. The Associated Press reported that she also committed to divesting certain financial holdings and leaving potentially conflicting outside positions if confirmed, ensuring impartiality in her official duties. Senate records indicate that Saphier’s nomination has completed the hearing stage, with Thursday’s committee vote marking her next significant hurdle towards confirmation. Senator Cassidy’s endorsement positions her favorably at this critical juncture.
