STAT+: More political interference at the FDA?

STAT PlusNewsletterD.C. Diagnosis More political interference at the FDA? You’re reading STAT’s D.C. Diagnosis newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonMay 7, 2026 Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson[email protected]John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You’re reading the web edition of D.C. Diagnosis, STAT’s twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. Sign up here to receive it in your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a photo of a young RFK Jr. trying to ride a small rhino. Send news tips and RINO jokes to [email protected] or John_Wilkerson.07 on Signal.Advertisement Former DOGE co-founder v. former state Covid-19 czar Although most people whom DOGE fired from HHS probably don’t live in Ohio, they may feel a personal connection to the gubernatorial race there. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In chronic disease, Congress, drug development, FDA, Mental Health, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended D.C. Diagnosis May 5, 2026 STAT Plus: A new attack on AMA’s billing codes D.C. Diagnosis April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Democrats go hard on health care affordability Advertisement D.C. Diagnosis April 23, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. backs off some MAHA issues D.C. Diagnosis April 21, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. to face four GOP doctors at Senate hearings D.C. Diagnosis April 16, 2026 STAT Plus: RFK Jr. begins his testimony marathon Subscriber Picks