Trump's Transition: More Conflicts, More Risks

As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, troubling patterns continue to emerge in his nominations, and policy alignments. From glaring financial conflicts to an agenda designed to take away freedoms, the risks to everyday Americans—and to our democracy—are becoming alarmingly clear. Accountable.US is here to break it down.

Dr. Oz: A Conflict-Riddled Nomination for CMS

President-elect Trump’s nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has raised alarm bells across the healthcare and ethics communities. Accountable.US has uncovered significant financial conflicts of interest tied to Dr. Oz, first reported by USA Today, including investments worth up to $56 million in companies directly involved with CMS operations.

The Problem

Dr. Oz’s investments in Amazon and Microsoft, key CMS contractors, and his co-founded digital health company that profits from Medicare Advantage, suggest troubling conflict of interests. These holdings cast doubt on his ability to impartially oversee Medicare, Medicaid, and the online insurance marketplace portal under the Affordable Care Act.

Additionally, Dr. Oz’s past advocacy for privatizing Medicare through “Medicare Advantage for All” aligns with Project 2025’s controversial policy proposals to reshape healthcare at the expense of seniors and vulnerable populations.

“Seniors deserve a CMS leader who will protect and strengthen Medicare —not someone like Dr. Oz who wants to privatize this vital and hugely popular program for great personal gain,” said Accountable.US Executive Director Tony Carrk. “If Dr. Oz and Project 2025 had their way, Medicare as we know it would end, replaced with private insurance plans that cost taxpayers more and leave patients vulnerable to denials of care and higher premiums. Dr. Oz’s conflicts of interest pose a serious threat to seniors’ health security, but as long as big insurance industry megadonors are happy, President-elect Trump doesn’t seem to mind.”

RFK Jr.: HHS Nominee Accused of Committing Felon

Adding to Trump’s controversial picks, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for Secretary of Health and Human Services, faces accusations of casting an illegal ballot in New York where courts ruled he did not reside – a potential felony. This decision followed a months-long legal battle in which judges labeled his residency claim as a “sham.” RFK Jr.’s alleged disregard for election laws raises questions about his ability to uphold public trust in one of the government’s most critical departments.

Key Concerns:

RFK Jr. listed a Katonah, NY address where he admitted spending only one night, despite owning a primary residence in Los Angeles.
A state judge rejected his residency claim, yet he continued using the address to vote absentee in the 2024 general election.
The Westchester County District Attorney’s office is reviewing the complaint filed by local officials.

“Not actually living in New York in the eyes of the law allegedly did not stop RFK Jr. from casting his election ballot there illegally,” said Accountable.US Executive Director Tony Carrk. “If RFK Jr. is so dismissive of the law in his personal matters, how can he be trusted to properly apply the law when it comes to our public health? Senators should press Kennedy on whether he intends to play by his own rules and thumb his nose at the law as HHS Secretary, like President-elect Trump is wont to do.”

Meanwhile, RFK Jr.’s “dangerous” views on public health are being spotlighted by a new campaign from Protect Our Care, including a mobile billboard around the U.S. Capitol warning Kennedy is “threat to your family’s health”.

Project 2025: Trump’s Playbook for Executive Power

While President-elect Trump denies involvement with Project 2025, recent remarks reveal an evolving embrace of the agenda. This Heritage Foundation-led initiative aims to consolidate federal agencies under direct presidential control and implement sweeping conservative policies. Dr. Oz’s appointment exemplifies this blueprint, prioritizing privatization and corporate interests.

What’s at Stake

Healthcare Transformation: Project 2025 aligns with efforts to dismantle traditional Medicare, favoring private insurers—despite higher costs and reduced care for seniors.
Executive Overreach: Plans to centralize authority in the Oval Office threaten to undermine democratic checks and balances.

The Bottom Line: Trump’s transition is setting the stage for an administration riddled with conflicts and cronyism. The stakes couldn’t be higher for seniors, families, and working people.