Trump tells Senate to confirm his FDA nominee before midterm elections

Published August 31, 2026 5:06pm ET Updated August 31, 2026 5:06pm ET

President Donald Trump said Monday that he wants the Senate to prioritize confirming Dr. Heidi Overton, his nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration, before the 2026 midterm elections, in which Republicans are defending a slim majority.

Trump nominated Overton in late August during the congressional recess. The Senate is not scheduled to return to Washington until Sept. 14 and will again recess for virtually all of October to allow candidates time to campaign ahead of Election Day.