- Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the US Senate as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by a 51-44 vote, marking a rare win for the administration after a series of failed nominations.
- Schwartz is the first Black woman to serve as director of the CDC and will be the first permanent director in a year.
- During her Senate committee hearing, Schwartz pledged to 'never betray the science' regarding vaccine policies.
- Trump's first nominee to lead the CDC, David Weldon, had his nomination withdrawn in March 2025 due to vaccine skepticism.
- The second pick, Susan Monarez, was removed after less than a month due to a clash on vaccine policy with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Jim O’Neill was appointed as interim head but faced criticism for poor communication and lack of presence at CDC headquarters.
Dr. Erica Schwartz's confirmation as CDC director comes after a year-long vacancy following Dr. Susan Monarez's ouster amid vaccine policy disputes. Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, is expected to restore trust in the agency, which has faced criticism over its handling of public health issues.127
"We need a CDC director that will actually stand up to crazy, stupid things being said that undermine faith in immunization," said Sen. Bill Cassidy, who supported her nomination despite initial concerns about her independence.
Schwartz's confirmation vote was largely partisan, with only one Democrat, Tim Kaine, supporting her. Her leadership is seen as a departure from previous nominees who aligned with the Trump administration's controversial health policies. Schwartz has a strong background in vaccination programs, contrasting sharply with her predecessor's skepticism.
"There are challenges facing Americans’ health today. I will work with her to face those challenges and regain trust in the CDC," Cassidy stated after the vote. Schwartz's commitment to science and public health comes at a critical time, as the CDC aims to address ongoing vaccine misinformation and public health crises.
The agency has been under scrutiny for its response to various health issues, including the recent cyclosporiasis outbreak and vaccine hesitancy fueled by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schwartz's leadership is anticipated to steer the CDC back towards a science-based approach to public health.
“Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard officer, is Trump's third pick for the role. Her confirmation follows a year of leadership turmoil, including the ouster of Susan Monarez after a clash with RFK Jr. over vaccine policy.”
The Guardian
