Trump nominates Erica Schwartz, ex-deputy surgeon general, as CDC director
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ending a prolonged search for a permanent director; her appointment requires Senate confirmation.
- Schwartz, a rear admiral in the US Coast Guard and former deputy surgeon general under Trump, has extensive experience in military and public health roles, holding degrees in medicine, public health, law, and biomedical engineering.
- Jay Bhattacharya served as acting CDC director until his designation expired under the Vacancies Act, which limits acting officials in Senate-confirmed roles to 210 days.
- The CDC has faced leadership instability under Trump’s administration, with previous directors clashing with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has promoted anti-vaccine positions.
- Health policy groups like Protect Our Care urge Schwartz to maintain CDC independence and uphold vaccine safety and effectiveness amid concerns about political interference.
