Honestly with Bari Weiss

Jay Bhattacharya Was “Dangerous.” Now He Leads NIH.

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Apr 1, 2025
Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor and newly appointed head of the NIH, discusses his controversial stance on COVID-19 lockdowns that labeled him as a pariah. He reflects on the lasting impact of lockdowns on public health, childhood learning, and cancer screenings. Bhattacharya emphasizes the urgent need to rebuild trust in public health and the importance of diverse scientific voices. He shares insights from his journey through censorship to leadership, advocating for transparency and collaboration as vital for the future of public health in America.
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ANECDOTE

Personal Attacks and Hardships

  • Jay Bhattacharya faced death threats and attacks on his family for his views on COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • The stress led to weight loss and insomnia, prompting him to prioritize his scientific advocacy.
INSIGHT

The Rise of Dr. Jay

  • Jay Bhattacharya, initially an obscure Stanford professor, became a controversial figure for questioning COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • Despite facing censorship and smears, his views gained traction, highlighting the lockdowns' disastrous effects.
INSIGHT

Suppression of Dissent

  • The desire to reinstate lockdowns in the fall of 2020, despite evidence of harm, motivated the attacks against the Great Barrington Declaration.
  • The declaration, signed by many scientists, threatened the authority and policy of lockdown proponents.
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