WASHINGTON: Former president Donald Trump has nominated Mehmet Oz, TV celebrity and former heart surgeon, as the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Oz, well-known for his televised appearances as 'Dr. Oz,' gained fame through sponsorship by Oprah Winfrey before transitioning into politics with an unsuccessful Senate campaign in 2022.

This nomination follows Trump's pattern of controversial appointments, including figures like Fox News host Pete Hegseth, vaccine skeptic Robert F.

Kennedy Jr., and tech billionaire Elon Musk for other roles.

Trump's appointment message highlighted Oz's potential to address America's healthcare challenges, despite longstanding criticism of Oz's medical advice from the medical community.

As CMS administrator, Oz will oversee health coverage for over 160 million Americans, managing one of the largest healthcare agencies globally, with 6,700 employees and last year's expenditures reaching $1.48 trillion.

Although Oz has never held public office, he has been a loyal supporter of Trump, who endorsed his Senate bid in Pennsylvania.