President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pending Senate confirmation. The nomination comes after months of leadership instability at the agency, which has operated without a permanent director for most of Trump's second term.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Trump announced the nomination on Truth Social, calling Schwartz an "incredibly talented" individual and a "STAR." Schwartz, who holds an MD, JD, and MPH, previously served as Deputy Surgeon General during Trump's first term. The CDC has been without a confirmed director since August 2025, when former director Susan Monarez was fired following a public clash with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policy.
Deeper Dive & Context
Leadership Changes and Controversies
The CDC has faced significant turmoil under Trump's second term, including high staff turnover, plummeting morale, and controversial changes to U.S. vaccine policy. The agency's acting director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, has been leading the CDC since March 2026, following the expiration of his title under federal law. Bhattacharya is also the director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Background on Dr. Erica Schwartz
Schwartz graduated from Brown University for both college and medical school. She served a distinguished career as a doctor in the U.S. military, including as chief medical officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. During Trump's first term, she oversaw the nation's public health deployment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as Deputy Surgeon General.
Additional Appointments
Trump also announced several other senior appointments to the CDC, including Sean Slovenski as deputy director and chief operating officer, Dr. Jennifer Shuford as deputy director and chief medical officer, and Dr. Sara Brenner as senior counselor for public health to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump stated that these appointments would help restore the CDC's "gold standard of science," signaling a shift away from policies implemented under the Biden administration.
Political and Policy Implications
The nomination comes amid ongoing controversy over vaccine policy and public health leadership. A recent poll from the health policy research group KFF found that trust in federal health agencies has plummeted during Kennedy's tenure as HHS secretary. The CDC has also faced criticism over its handling of vaccine recommendations and the reduction of recommended childhood shots from 17 to 11.
Senate Confirmation Process
Schwartz's nomination requires Senate approval, a process that could take several months. During this period, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is expected to continue serving as acting CDC director.
Public and Political Reactions
Reactions to the nomination have varied, with some praising Schwartz's qualifications and experience, while others have raised concerns about the CDC's direction under the new leadership. The nomination is seen as part of a broader effort to stabilize the agency amid ongoing challenges and controversies.