An article summarized by Mediaite:
President Trump announced that Pastor Darrell Scott, a longtime friend and political ally, will serve as an advisor on tobacco-related health issues for a CDC advisory committee. In his announcement, Trump praised Scott as a respected faith leader and advocate for underserved communities, saying he would help the administration address tobacco-related disease and explore ways to reduce harm and save lives.
Scott founded the New Spirit Revival Center in Ohio in 1982 and has been a prominent supporter of Trump since his first presidential campaign in 2015. He has frequently defended Trump in media appearances and was also given a role on Trump’s presidential transition team following his 2016 election victory over Hillary Clinton.
The announcement has raised questions about Scott’s qualifications for a tobacco health advisory role, as it is unclear what direct experience he has in public health or tobacco policy. Trump, however, emphasized Scott’s leadership and his understanding of underserved communities, arguing that those qualities would help him contribute to efforts aimed at protecting Americans from the health risks associated with tobacco products.
