Politics
Surgeon general nominee Nicole Saphier discloses tobacco and beverage investments
The Hill reports that nominee Nicole Saphier pledged to divest financial holdings ahead of confirmation.
The short version
- President Trump's surgeon general nominee, Nicole Saphier, disclosed financial holdings in tobacco, beverage, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology firms.[The Hill]
- Saphier committed in an ethics agreement to completely or partially divest from the companies to resolve potential conflicts.[The Hill]
- This nomination is the administration's third effort to fill the post following the withdrawal of two earlier candidates.[The Hill]
- Her Senate confirmation hearing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 16.[The Hill]
Key facts
- Nicole Saphier reported holdings in Philip Morris International, Monster Beverage, Coca Cola, and Pepsi Co.[The Hill]
- In an ethics agreement, Saphier pledged to shed stock in various pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms and divest from disclosed holdings.[The Hill]
- Saphier is the founder of DropRx, a business selling herbal supplements.[The Hill]
- Her nomination represents the administration's third attempt to fill the surgeon general role after previous nominees Janette Nesheiwat and Casey Means were withdrawn.[The Hill]
- Her Senate confirmation hearing is set for Wednesday, Sept. 16.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Saphier's ethics agreement and planned divestments will secure sufficient Senate support remains to be determined during her confirmation hearing.[The Hill]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.