Trump's surgeon-general nominee reports $270K supplement earnings and tobacco holdings
Nominee Dr Nicole Saphier disclosed more than $270,000 in income from her supplement business and investments in tobacco companies, prompting conflict-of-interest concerns ahead of her Senate hearing.
Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. surgeon general, Dr Nicole Saphier, submitted financial disclosures revealing $270,605 in earnings from Empower MD, the firm behind her Drop RX dietary supplements. The filings also show investments in tobacco giants Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, alongside holdings in companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and McDonald’s. Saphier, a breast-cancer radiologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and former one outlet contributor, pledged to sell Empower MD and divest tobacco stocks within 90 days of confirmation.
Critics note that some Drop RX products contain kava, an ingredient the FDA has warned can cause liver injury and is prohibited for U.S. military personnel. The controversy has sparked debate over potential conflicts of interest for a public-health official tasked with warning against tobacco and unproven supplements. A White House spokesperson highlighted Saphier’s experience and alignment with the administration’s health agenda, while the supplement company declined comment.
Why it matters
The nominee’s financial ties to supplements and tobacco could influence U.S. public-health policy if she becomes surgeon general.
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