Dr. Mehmet Oz, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is under fire for allegedly underpaying over $400,000 in Medicare taxes, according to a Senate Finance Committee memo reviewed by Reuters.
Democratic staffers claim Oz failed to pay $403,739 in Medicare taxes and $36,928 in Social Security contributions between 2021 and 2023 on more than $10 million in income from his media company. They dispute his exemption claim, asserting self-employed individuals are required to pay these taxes.
Oz, a 64-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon and former TV host, is set to appear before the Senate Finance Committee, which will determine whether his nomination advances. Republican lawmakers, who control the Senate, have largely supported him, though Democrats plan to scrutinize his financial ethics and potential conflicts of interest.
Oz’s spokesperson Christopher Krepich stated that an Office of Government Ethics review found him compliant with tax laws, a finding reportedly shared with the committee. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo defended Oz, emphasizing his cooperation and extensive documentation. However, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized his nomination, accusing him of failing to protect Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
CMS, overseeing $2.6 trillion in annual spending, manages health insurance for over half of Americans, including Medicare recipients aged 65 and older and Medicaid beneficiaries with low income.
The controversy surrounding Oz’s taxes adds to ongoing political tensions, with the White House recently withdrawing another Trump nominee, Dave Weldon, as CDC director. As Oz faces the Senate, his financial record could become a decisive factor in his confirmation.