Trump Nominates Dr Erica Schwartz as CDC Director Amid Agency Turmoil
Former President Donald Trump has nominated Dr Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to become the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a social media announcement on Thursday, Trump praised Schwartz as "incredibly talented" and declared, "She is a STAR!"
Background of CDC Leadership Instability
The Atlanta-based CDC, responsible for protecting Americans from preventable health threats, has experienced significant turmoil since Trump returned to office over a year ago. The agency has seen a succession of mostly temporary leaders during this period.
The CDC is overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who initially promised not to alter the nation's vaccination schedule. However, shortly after taking office, Kennedy announced he would investigate the childhood vaccine schedule and attempted a substantial rewrite of vaccine recommendations for children. Some of these efforts were recently put on hold by a federal judge.
Previous Failed Nominations and Leadership Changes
The administration's first choice to lead the CDC was former Florida congressman Dr. David Weldon, but his Senate confirmation hearing in March 2025 was canceled just an hour before it was scheduled to begin. Weldon stated at the time that he had been informed insufficient senators were willing to vote for his confirmation.
The White House then turned to Susan Monarez, who had been serving as the CDC's acting director. Monarez was confirmed by the Senate but was ousted in less than a month. Trump administration officials claimed she wasn't aligned with their agenda, leading to her termination.
Several key CDC scientific leaders resigned in protest following Monarez's dismissal, expressing that her removal dashed their hopes that a CDC director could guard against political interference in the agency's scientific research and health recommendations.
Since then, agency leadership has resembled a revolving door, with the short-term role of acting director passing between various Washington-based HHS officials. National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya has been overseeing the CDC for the past several weeks.
Dr Erica Schwartz's Professional Background
Dr Schwartz holds multiple academic credentials, including both medical and law degrees. Her career has been primarily spent in military uniform, including a leadership position at the U.S. Coast Guard where she oversaw the organization's system of 41 clinics and 150 sick bays.
She later served as deputy surgeon general, helping to lead uniformed medical and health professionals posted at the CDC and other government health agencies serving the general public. Schwartz could not be reached for comment regarding her nomination.
Additional Appointments and Reactions
Trump also announced the appointment of Sean Slovenski, a former Walmart executive, as CDC deputy director and chief operating officer. Dr. Jennifer Shuford, Texas health commissioner, was named the CDC's deputy director and chief medical officer. Additionally, Dr. Sara Brenner, a former Food and Drug Administration administrator, was designated as a senior counselor for public health to Kennedy.
During a House Appropriations Committee hearing on Thursday, Kennedy described the new CDC team as "extraordinary," stating, "I think this new team is really going to be able to revolutionize CDC and get it back on track."
In a social media post, Kennedy congratulated Schwartz and the other appointees, expressing that he looks "forward to working together to restore trust, accountability, and scientific integrity" at the CDC.
However, Aaron Siri, a lawyer and ally of Kennedy in attacking vaccines and pharmaceutical companies, criticized Schwartz's selection. In a social media post, Siri lambasted Schwartz's past promotion of vaccinations, claiming "she lacks the basic ethics and morals to lead the CDC."
Broader Context of Health Nominations
Schwartz's nomination comes as Dr. Casey Means, Trump's pick for another key health-related role as U.S. surgeon general, has faced difficulty securing confirmation. Means' nomination has languished since appearing for a confirmation hearing in February, reflecting the skepticism that lawmakers from both parties have expressed toward the direction Kennedy has taken his department.
The nomination of Dr Erica Schwartz represents another chapter in the ongoing restructuring of health leadership under the Trump administration, with the CDC continuing to navigate political pressures while attempting to maintain its scientific mission.
