President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January brings uncertainty for the medtech industry, with questions on potential increased tariffs, trade wars and healthcare policy changes under potential new leaders like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Martin Makary.
While there are no high-profile medical device concerns — and the sector may fly under the Trump administration’s radar — key priorities, namely tariffs, could still affect companies’ financials.
There are also questions about the regulatory influence of new faces leading federal health agencies. Makary, Trump’s choice for Food and Drug Administration commissioner, could have the largest effect on device companies as leader of the industry’s direct regulator. Trump has also nominated Kennedy to run the Department of Health and Human Services and Mehmet Oz to take over the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
All three need congressional confirmation before assuming their roles.
While there are concerns about Trump’s tariff threats and changing leadership, the president-elect’s return to Washington could also mean a more favorable M&A environment, potentially continuing an active 2024.
Read on for a collection of MedTech Dive’s coverage of how Trump will affect the device industry and his nominations for healthcare leadership: