Transcript: Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 10, 2026

Key Points:

• Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb affirmed that the risk of public health impact from the Hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship is low, citing limited transmission typically requiring close contact and symptom onset for contagiousness.
• Gottlieb emphasized that no effective treatments exist for Hantavirus, dismissing ivermectin as ineffective due to its mechanism, and warned against stockpiling or using unproven therapies.
• He expressed concern about ongoing leadership instability and staff departures at the FDA, highlighting significant losses in key medical reviewer positions, which he believes have weakened the agency's capacity.
• Regarding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's comments on antidepressants, Gottlieb stressed the importance of these medications for many patients and cautioned against stopping them without medical supervision, warning that the Secretary's remarks might discourage legitimate use.
• Gottlieb noted that the FDA continues to face political and operational challenges, and he called attention to the need for stable leadership to maintain regulatory effectiveness in critical areas such as drug and food safety.