Senate committee advances Dr. Nichole Saphier's nomination for surgeon general

Earlier this month, Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, appeared before the committee, where she was grilled on her positions concerning childhood vaccines.

By Kevin Killough

Published: September 30, 2026 2:39pm

President Donald Trump's third nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Nicole Saphier, moved closer to confirmation on Wednesday, after the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted 12 to 11 to advance her nomination.

Trump nominated Saphier in April after his first nominee, Dr. Casey Means, failed to get enough support in the Senate to be confirmed.

Earlier this month, Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, appeared before the committee, where she was grilled on her positions concerning childhood vaccines. She said she supported vaccines and didn't believe they cause autism, NBC News reported.

It's not clear when Saphier will face a full Senate vote for her confirmation, but she is expected to be confirmed.