Appointment and Role
Dr. Brian Christine, a urologist specializing in penile implants, was appointed assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in November 2025. He now oversees offices responsible for family planning, women's health, infectious disease policy, and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, serving as a four-star admiral.
Public Health Stance on Hantavirus
"The Trump administration's response to a hantavirus outbreak would be 'grounded in science' and 'transparency.'"
During a press conference in Nebraska, Christine stated the administration's approach to the outbreak.
Background and Previous Statements
Christine previously ran for Alabama state Senate in 2022 and hosted a podcast called "Common Sense." Archived episodes reviewed by CNN include:
Election Integrity
Questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election and retweeted a call to object to election results on January 6, 2021.
COVID-19
- Claimed the pandemic was used to control people and influence the 2020 election
- Said vaccines did not prevent disease or transmission despite evidence to the contrary
- Opposed vaccine mandates
Conspiracy Theories
Suggested a possible coordinated effort involving George Soros and the World Economic Forum's "Great Reset" to close small businesses.
Abortion
Defended Alabama's near-total abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest.
Transgender Care
- Led efforts to restrict gender transition care through federal funding blocks
- His private practice website advertised treatment for erectile dysfunction in transgender patients, a claim he denied
Historical Comparisons
Compared the Biden administration to Nazi Germany, stating that conservatives feel the government is weaponized against them.
Official Response
"Christine is focused on executing President Trump and Secretary Kennedy's agenda."
Andrew Nixon, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Media Relations, provided this statement.
Disclosure of Sources
CNN reviewed archived podcast episodes, social media posts, radio appearances, and a deleted Twitter account. Additional podcast episodes were found on Vimeo and Christine's former campaign website.