# Nicole Saphier

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American radiologist (born 1981/1982)

Nicole Saphier Surgeon General of the United States Nominee Assuming office TBD President Donald Trump Succeeding Vivek Murthy Personal details Born 1981 or 1982 (age 44–45) Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. Spouse Paul Saphier Children 3 Education Arizona State University (BA) Ross University (MD)

**Nicole Saphier** (born 1981 or 1982) is an American radiologist, medical journalist, and author.

In April 2026, President [Donald Trump](/source/Donald_Trump) nominated Saphier to serve as the [surgeon general of the United States](/source/Surgeon_General_of_the_United_States).

## Early life and education

Nicole Saphier was born in [Scottsdale, Arizona](/source/Scottsdale%2C_Arizona), in 1981 or 1982.[1] She became pregnant at 17. Saphier graduated from high school in [Gilbert, Arizona](/source/Gilbert%2C_Arizona).[2] She graduated from [Arizona State University](/source/Arizona_State_University) with a [Bachelor of Arts](/source/Bachelor_of_Arts) and from the [Ross University School of Medicine](/source/Ross_University_School_of_Medicine) in [Portsmouth, Dominica](/source/Portsmouth%2C_Dominica), with a [Doctor of Medicine](/source/Doctor_of_Medicine).[3]

## Career

Saphier performed her residency training at [Maricopa Integrated Health Systems](/source/Valleywise_Health).[2] While in residency, she met Paul Saphier;[1] they later married and had two children together.[2] Saphier completed her oncological imaging fellowship at [Mayo Clinic](/source/Mayo_Clinic) in Arizona and she later practiced as a physician at the [Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center](/source/Memorial_Sloan_Kettering_Cancer_Center), the director of breast imaging at the center's facility in [Monmouth, New Jersey](/source/Monmouth_County%2C_New_Jersey),[4] and an associate professor at [Weill Cornell Medicine](/source/Weill_Cornell_Medicine).[5]

In 2018, Saphier was hired as a contributor for [Fox News](/source/Fox_News).[5] In March 2020, she contributed to a [virtual town hall](/source/Town_hall_meeting) on the network that featured President [Donald Trump](/source/Donald_Trump) and members of the [White House Coronavirus Task Force](/source/White_House_Coronavirus_Task_Force).[6] After Trump nominated her to serve as the [surgeon general of the United States](/source/Surgeon_General_of_the_United_States), Saphier's contract with Fox News was terminated.[7] In addition, Saphier has hosted *Wellness Unmasked*, a health and wellness podcast.[8]

Saphier is a member of the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](/source/Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention)'s Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, and is an advisor to the [New Jersey Department of Health](/source/New_Jersey_Department_of_Health).[9] She has sold herbal [tinctures](/source/Tincture) through a product line known as DropRx.[9]

## Surgeon General nomination

On April 30, 2026, President Donald Trump withdrew [Casey Means](/source/Casey_Means)'s nomination to serve as [surgeon general of the United States](/source/Surgeon_General_of_the_United_States) and nominated Saphier to the position. Saphier's nomination was opposed by several individuals within the [Make America Healthy Again](/source/Make_America_Healthy_Again) movement, including the author [Vani Hari](/source/Vani_Hari), the media personality [Alex Clark](/source/Alex_Clark_(commentator)), and the physician [Robert W. Malone](/source/Robert_W._Malone), who noted her relatively moderate stance on the movement.[10]

## Views

Saphier is a proponent of the Make America Healthy Again movement.[11] After Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.](/source/Robert_F._Kennedy_Jr.) claimed that [acetaminophen](/source/Paracetamol) caused [autism](/source/Autism), she advised pregnant women to follow the advice of their doctors.[12] Saphier has supported Kennedy's calls for inquiries into increasing rates of autism, though she rejected Kennedy's methods in an opinion article for *[The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal)*.[13]

### COVID-19

Saphier opposed the [first Trump administration](/source/First_presidency_of_Donald_Trump)'s [communication about the COVID-19 pandemic](/source/Communication_of_the_Trump_administration_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic) and stated that "[politicization of science](/source/Politicization_of_science)" had occurred in the administration, adding that it continued into the [Biden administration](/source/Presidency_of_Joe_Biden).[14] She praised [Operation Warp Speed](/source/Operation_Warp_Speed), an initiative to expedite research into [COVID-19 vaccines](/source/COVID-19_vaccine), but criticized [vaccine mandates imposed](/source/Biden_administration_COVID-19_action_plan) in the Biden administration.[13] In 2022, she advocated [against mask](/source/Face_masks_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic) and [vaccine mandates](/source/Vaccine_mandates) amid the [pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_the_United_States).[9] That year, Saphier falsely criticized the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](/source/Centers_for_Disease_Control_and_Prevention) for holding a vote to mandate schoolchildren receive COVID-19 vaccines; the claim misinterpreted the planned meeting, which was for the [Vaccines for Children Program](/source/Vaccines_for_Children_Program).[15]

### Healthcare industry

In *Make America Healthy Again* (2020), Saphier opposed the [Affordable Care Act](/source/Affordable_Care_Act) and [single-payer healthcare](/source/Single-payer_healthcare) plans.[16]

### Transgender health care

Saphier has been vocally opposed to [gender-affirming care](/source/Gender-affirming_care), has referred to being [transgender](/source/Transgender) as a "national emergency", and opposed research into [hormone blockers](/source/Hormone_blockers).[17]

## Personal life

Saphier is a practicing [Catholic](/source/Catholic_Church).[18]

## Bibliography

In 2020, Saphier authored *Make America Healthy Again: How Bad Behavior and Big Government Caused a Trillion-Dollar Crisis*.[8] The book advocated a prevention-first approach and freedom of choice in healthcare.[14] In 2024, she published *Love, Mom: Inspiring Stories Celebrating Motherhood*, a chronology of various mothers.[2] Saphier has additionally authored *Panic Attack: Playing Politics with Science in the Fight Against COVID-19*.[19]

## Awards and recognition

In 2019, Saphier was named as the Top Radiologist of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals.[11]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-AFMInfo_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-AFMInfo_1-1) ["Trendsetter to Know: Dr. Nicole Saphier, Breast Cancer Specialist and Best-Selling Author"](https://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/people/authors/trendsetter-to-know-dr-nicole-saphier-breast-cancer-specialist-and-best-selling-author). *Arizona Foothills Magazine*. April 9, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-WashingtonTimesInfo_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-WashingtonTimesInfo_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-WashingtonTimesInfo_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-WashingtonTimesInfo_2-3) Kellner, Mark (May 7, 2024). ["Fox News' Dr. Nicole Saphier Writes 'Love, Mom,' Which Chronicles Stories of Mothers' Faith"](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/may/7/nicole-saphier-fox-news-medical-commentator-writes/). *[The Washington Times](/source/The_Washington_Times)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Angell, Melissa (April 30, 2026). ["Trump Drops Wellness Founder for Surgeon General, Names Third Nominee for Nation's Top Doctor"](https://www.inc.com/melissa-angell/trump-drops-wellness-founder-for-surgeon-general-names-third-nominee-for-nations-top-doctor/91337764). *[Inc.](/source/Inc._(magazine))* Retrieved May 1, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Cooney, Elizabeth; Cirruzzo, Chelsea; Payne, Daniel (April 30, 2026). ["Trump drops Casey Means as surgeon general nominee, opts for radiologist Nicole Saphier"](https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/30/trump-withdraws-casey-means-nomination-surgeon-general-taps-nicole-saphier/). *[Stat](/source/Stat_(website))*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-USATodayInfo_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-USATodayInfo_5-1) Ramaswamy, Swapna (April 30, 2026). ["Donald Trump nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier as US surgeon general"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/04/30/who-is-nicole-saphier-donald-trump-surgeon-general/89875150007/). *[USA Today](/source/USA_Today)*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Rico, Klaritza (March 23, 2020). ["TV News Roundup: Quibi Releases 'Survive' Trailer Starring Sophie Turner"](https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/tv-news-roundup-quibi-survive-trailer-sophie-turner-1203542672/). *[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Bryant, Jacob (April 30, 2026). ["Trump Taps Fox News Contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier as Surgeon General Nominee"](https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/politics/trump-taps-nicole-saphier-surgeon-general/). *[TheWrap](/source/TheWrap)*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CBSReplacement_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CBSReplacement_8-1) Watson, Kathryn (April 30, 2026). ["Trump pulls Casey Means' nomination as surgeon general, naming Nicole Saphier as replacement"](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/casey-means-nicole-saphier-us-surgeon-general-trump-nomination/). [CBS News](/source/CBS_News). Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NOTUSInfo_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NOTUSInfo_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-NOTUSInfo_9-2) Manto, Margaret (April 30, 2026). ["Trump's New Surgeon General Nominee Is a Doctor and Vaccine Mandate Critic"](https://www.notus.org/healthcare/trump-new-surgeon-general-nominee-nicole-saphier). *[NOTUS](/source/NOTUS_(website))*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [Stolberg, Sheryl](/source/Sheryl_Gay_Stolberg) (April 30, 2026). ["Trump Withdraws Nomination of Casey Means for Surgeon General"](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/30/us/politics/casey-means-surgeon-general-withdraw.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NJInfo_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NJInfo_11-1) Moyle, Nick (April 30, 2026). ["Trump just nominated this N.J. doctor for surgeon general. Here's what to know"](https://www.nj.com/politics/2026/04/trumps-new-move-could-elevate-this-nj-doctor-to-surgeon-general-heres-what-to-know.html). [NJ.com](/source/NJ.com). Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-APNewsNomination_12-0)** Swenson, Ali; Kinnard, Meg (April 30, 2026). ["Trump pulls nomination for stalled surgeon general nominee Means and says he'll put forth Saphier"](https://apnews.com/article/trump-surgeon-general-means-saphier-cebadfb452fb577b6cd5254e2e55d86b). [Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press). Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-WSJWithdraws_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-WSJWithdraws_13-1) Whyte, Liz; Siddiqui, Sabrina; Andrews, Natalie (April 30, 2026). ["Trump Withdraws MAHA Champion Casey Means as Surgeon General Nominee"](https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-withdraws-maha-champion-casey-means-as-surgeon-general-nominee-a3784d52). *[The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal)*. Retrieved May 1, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-AxiosNominee_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-AxiosNominee_14-1) Nather, David; Reed, Tina (April 30, 2026). ["Trump Announces New Surgeon General Nominee"](https://www.axios.com/2026/04/30/trump-new-surgeon-general-nominee-saphier-means). *[Axios](/source/Axios_(website))*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-WaPoClaim_15-0)** Diamond, Dan; Sun, Lena (October 19, 2022). ["False claim that CDC would require covid vaccines for kids goes viral"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/10/19/covid-vaccines-children-cdc-disinformation/). *[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Davis, Sarah (April 30, 2026). ["Who is Nicole Saphier, New Trump Surgeon General Nominee?"](https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5857814-nicole-saphier-surgeon-general-nominee/). *[The Hill](/source/The_Hill_(newspaper))*. Retrieved April 30, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-guard-4may2026_17-0)** Schreiber, Melody (May 4, 2026). ["Who is Nicole Saphier, Trump's new nominee for US surgeon general?"](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/04/who-is-nicole-saphier-trump-surgeon-general-nomination). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. Retrieved May 4, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Meet the Trump surgeon general nominee who kept her baby despite an unplanned pregnancy as a teen"](https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/meet-the-trump-surgeon-general-nominee-who-kept-her-baby-despite-an-unplanned-pregnancy-as-a). *Catholic News Agency*. Retrieved June 2, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Feinberg, Andrew (April 30, 2026). ["Who is Dr. Nicole Saphier? Trump's nominee for surgeon general after pulling Means' nomination"](https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/who-is-nicole-saphier-surgeon-general-nominee-trump-b2968346.html). [The Independent](/source/The_Independent). Retrieved April 30, 2026.

## External links

- [Nicole Saphier](https://x.com/NBSaphierMD) on [X](/source/Twitter)

- [Video of Saphier on ‘Fox and Friends Weekend’ discussing flu cases down significantly this \[2020\] season](https://news.yahoo.com/dr-nicole-saphier-flu-cases-132830851.html)

- [Video of Saphier on Fox News giving timeline for U.S. COVID-19 vaccine rollout](https://news.yahoo.com/dr-nicole-saphier-gives-timeline-121539207.html)

- [Nicole Saphier Website](https://www.nicolesaphiermd.com/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230110140156/https://www.nicolesaphiermd.com/) 2023-01-10 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Dr. Nicole Saphier Interview with Resident Magazine 'Empowering Resilience: Dr. Nicole Saphier's Journey from Medicine to Media'](https://resident.com/business-leader/2024/03/26/empowering-resilience-dr-nicole-saphiers-journey-from-medicine-to-media)

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF National United States Academics Scopus

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Nicole Saphier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Saphier) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Saphier?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.