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Trump Health Aide With Penile-Implant Specialty Led Hantavirus Briefing Under Fresh Scrutiny

Critics say the pick weakens trust in federal health guidance.

Admiral Brian Christine, MD, the Assistant Secretary for Health, US Department of Health and Human Services speaks during a press conference at the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus, which holds the National Quarantine Unit, on May 11, in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Brian Christine, nominee to be assistant Health and Human Services secretary for health, testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Capitol Hill July 16, 2025.
Admiral Brian Christine, Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH) and Head of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, attends a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee confirmation hearing for Casey Means, nominated to serve as the next U.S. Surgeon General, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 25, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

Overview

  • Dr. Brian Christine, the Assistant Secretary for Health, led a federal hantavirus news conference in Nebraska as the administration sought to calm public concern.
  • CNN reported that Christine, a former Alabama urologist with little public-health experience, promoted far-right claims on podcasts and social media, including urging viewers to watch the debunked film 2000 Mules.
  • His past commentary included questioning the 2020 election, comparing the Biden administration to Nazi Germany, and downplaying Covid vaccines’ impact, according to CNN’s review of archived posts and shows.
  • HHS defended Christine’s selection, with a spokesperson saying he is focused on executing President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s health agenda.
  • Christine now oversees infectious-disease policy and the U.S. Public Health Service as a four-star admiral, and since taking office he has moved to restrict funding for gender transition care while disputing a Wall Street Journal report about an old practice ad.