Trump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as New CDC Director
President Donald Trump has officially nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral and former Deputy Surgeon General, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This appointment aims to stabilize the agency following months of leadership turmoil, staff morale issues, and policy conflicts under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schwartz, who previously served in Trump’s first administration, is tasked with restoring scientific standards and public trust. The nomination, part of a broader restructuring of CDC leadership, now requires Senate confirmation amidst ongoing debates over vaccine policies and federal health governance.
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Trump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as New CDC Director
President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The announcement was made via social media, where Trump praised Schwartz as incredibly talented. This nomination follows a period of significant turmoil within the CDC, characterized by a revolving door of leadership since Trump's return to office. Previous appointees, including Dr. David Weldon and Susan Monarez, failed to secure long-term tenure due to political disagreements or lack Senate support. The agency is currently overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has pursued controversial changes to vaccine recommendations, drawing criticism from scientific leaders. Alongside Schwartz, Trump appointed Sean Slovenski as deputy director and chief operating officer, and Dr. Jennifer Shuford as deputy director and chief medical officer. While Kennedy expressed confidence that this new team would restore integrity to the agency, the selection faced immediate backlash from vaccine-skeptic allies like Aaron Siri. Schwartz, who holds both medical and law degrees, previously served in the U.S. Coast Guard and as deputy surgeon general.
The Independent WorldTrump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as New CDC Director
President Donald Trump has officially nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a significant development in the leadership of the United States' primary public health agency. Dr. Schwartz brings extensive experience in public health and military service to the role. She is a former deputy surgeon general, a position that involves high-level oversight of national health initiatives and emergency response protocols. Additionally, she is a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, highlighting her background in disciplined organizational leadership and crisis management. This nomination underscores the administration's focus on appointing individuals with both medical expertise and administrative command experience to head critical federal health institutions. As the CDC plays a pivotal role in disease control, prevention, and public health safety across the nation, the selection of its director is a matter of significant political and public interest. The nomination will likely proceed to the Senate for confirmation hearings, where Dr. Schwartz's qualifications and policy views will be scrutinized by lawmakers before she can assume the office.
Home - CBSNews.comTrump Nominates Former Deputy Surgeon General Erica Schwartz to Lead CDC
Former President Donald Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to serve as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This appointment, announced in April 2026, marks a significant leadership change within the U.S. public health infrastructure. Schwartz, who previously served in the U.S. Coast Guard and held high-ranking positions in federal health agencies, brings extensive experience in medical administration and emergency response. Her nomination underscores the administration's focus on restructuring federal health agencies and installing loyalists with established government service records. The selection process highlights the intersection of political strategy and public health governance, as the CDC plays a critical role in national disease control and health security. Stakeholders in the healthcare sector are closely monitoring this development to assess potential shifts in policy direction, funding priorities, and operational protocols under her anticipated leadership. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape key federal institutions following his return to office.
axiosTrump Nominates Former Deputy Surgeon General Erica Schwartz to Lead CDC
Former President Donald Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to serve as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This appointment marks a significant leadership change within the U.S. public health infrastructure. Schwartz, whose career includes service in the U.S. Coast Guard as indicated by official photographs, brings extensive experience in federal health administration and emergency response. The nomination underscores the administration's focus on reshaping key health agencies with personnel who have prior government service records. As the head of the CDC, Schwartz would be responsible for overseeing national disease control efforts, public health guidelines, and emergency preparedness strategies. This decision is likely to draw attention from both political allies and critics regarding the future direction of American health policy. The announcement was reported by Axios, highlighting the strategic selection of a candidate with a background in uniformed services and high-level health department operations. The move reflects ongoing efforts to align federal health leadership with the administration's broader policy objectives and operational preferences.
axiosTrump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director
President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This appointment aims to fill the leadership vacuum at the agency, which has been without a permanent director since the ousting of Susan Monarez. Monarez was removed from her position following significant policy disagreements with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly concerning vaccine protocols and public health strategies. In addition to nominating Dr. Schwartz, the President named three other individuals to assist in leading the agency, signaling a broader restructuring of its executive team. This move highlights the administration's intent to realign the CDC's direction under the current political leadership. The nomination underscores ongoing tensions within the US health infrastructure regarding vaccine policy and administrative control. As the CDC plays a critical role in national public health responses, this leadership change is expected to draw significant attention from medical professionals, policymakers, and the public alike, marking a pivotal moment for the agency's future operational stance.
WSJ.com: PoliticsTrump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as New CDC Director
President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The announcement was made via a Truth Social post on April 16, 2026, following a period of significant leadership instability at the agency. Schwartz, who holds MD, JD, and MPH degrees, previously served as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first term and has a background in military medicine. Her nomination comes amid ongoing controversies regarding vaccination policies under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose proposed changes to childhood vaccine schedules have faced legal challenges. Trump also appointed 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. The President stated that this new leadership team aims to restore the CDC's scientific standards, criticizing the previous administration's approach. If confirmed by the Senate, Schwartz is expected to take office in mid-to-late May 2026. The appointment seeks to address issues concerning public trust, measles outbreaks, and pandemic preparedness.
NewsweekTrump Nominates Former Deputy Surgeon General Erica Schwartz to Lead CDC
President Donald Trump has officially nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a former Deputy Surgeon General who served in a senior health capacity during his first administration, as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This announcement marks Trump's third attempt to appoint a leader for the agency, coming more than six months after the previous director was dismissed from the position. The nomination underscores the administration's ongoing efforts to stabilize leadership within key public health institutions following a period of significant turnover. Dr. Schwartz, recognized for her medical expertise and prior government service, is positioned as a trusted ally capable of aligning the CDC's operations with the President's policy objectives. The selection process has been prolonged, reflecting the challenges in finding a candidate who meets both professional qualifications and political alignment criteria. This move is expected to face scrutiny from public health experts and political opponents alike, given the contentious history surrounding the agency's leadership under the current administration. The nomination now proceeds to the Senate for confirmation hearings, where Dr. Schwartz's qualifications and past records will likely be examined in detail.
Just In NewsTrump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director
President Trump has officially announced the nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The announcement was made via Truth Social, where Trump praised Schwartz as a "star" and highlighted her extensive qualifications. Schwartz, a Coast Guard rear admiral, previously served as deputy surgeon general during Trump's first term. She holds medical and law degrees from Brown University and the University of Maryland, respectively. Currently, she oversees health and safety operations for the Coast Guard, managing numerous clinics and responding to health crises such as Ebola. In addition to Schwartz, Trump named Sean Slovenski as CDC deputy director and chief operating officer, and Dr. Jennifer Shuford as deputy director and chief medical officer. Dr. Sara Brenner will serve as a senior counselor for public health to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump stated that these appointments aim to restore the "gold standard of science" at the agency, criticizing its performance under the previous administration. This move follows the recent ousting of former CDC director Susan Monarez.
Home - CBSNews.comTrump Nominates Former Deputy Surgeon General Erica Schwartz as CDC Director
President Donald Trump has officially nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The announcement was made via a social media post on Thursday, where Trump praised Schwartz as an incredibly talented individual and described her as a star. This nomination aims to bring stability to the Atlanta-based health agency, which has experienced significant turmoil since Trump returned to office more than a year ago. During this period, the CDC has been led by a succession of mostly temporary leaders while tasked with protecting Americans from preventable health threats. The selection of Schwartz marks a pivotal step in filling the permanent leadership role at one of the nation's most critical public health institutions. As the CDC continues its mission to safeguard public health, the confirmation of a permanent director is expected to address ongoing operational challenges and restore consistent leadership within the organization.
AP NewsTrump Nominates Erica Schwartz as CDC Director Amid Agency Turmoil
President Donald Trump has nominated Rear Admiral Erica Schwartz to serve as the permanent director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This appointment aims to stabilize the agency following months of leadership instability and controversy under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schwartz, who previously served as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first term and played a key role in the pandemic response, must still secure Senate confirmation. Her nomination follows the firing of former director Dr. Susan Monarez, who was dismissed after refusing to approve vaccine recommendations she deemed scientifically unsupported. The CDC has faced significant challenges, including plummeting staff morale, high turnover, and public distrust exacerbated by controversial changes to childhood vaccine policies. Additionally, Trump announced Sean Slovenski and Jennifer Shuford as deputy directors. The agency also recently endured a security incident involving a gunman at its Atlanta headquarters. A federal judge recently blocked efforts to overhaul immunization guidelines, highlighting ongoing legal and political battles surrounding public health policy. This move represents a critical step in reshaping federal health leadership amid intense scrutiny of vaccine mandates and scientific integrity within the administration.
US Top News and AnalysisTrump Selects Former Deputy Surgeon General Erica Schwartz to Lead CDC
President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general and retired rear admiral, to serve as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The announcement was made via Truth Social, with Trump praising Schwartz as a star capable of restoring scientific standards. Schwartz, who requires Senate confirmation, previously served during Trump’s first term and has extensive experience in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Her nomination follows an eight-month leadership vacuum at the CDC after the firing of former director Susan Monarez amid conflicts with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policies. The agency has also seen turmoil, including the withdrawal of previous nominee Dave Weldon and legal challenges regarding changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Alongside Schwartz, Trump announced nominations for other key CDC roles, including Sean Slovenski as deputy director and Jennifer Shuford as chief medical officer. This move aims to align the CDC with the administration's health agenda while addressing recent internal instability and personnel shakeups within the federal health agency.
Roll CallTrump Nominates Former Coast Guard Doctor Erica Schwartz as CDC Chief
President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Schwartz, a former Rear Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard and deputy surgeon general during Trump's first administration, brings extensive experience in preventive medicine and public health. Her nomination aims to stabilize the CDC, which has faced leadership vacuums, budget cuts, and internal turmoil under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Schwartz holds medical, law, and public health degrees and is praised for her ability to communicate complex scientific issues and speak truth to power. While interim director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya currently leads the agency, Schwartz must undergo Senate confirmation, a process expected to take several months. Public health leaders and CDC officials have expressed cautious optimism about her potential to restore order and trust within the agency amidst ongoing challenges regarding vaccine policies and staffing reductions.
nprTrump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director
On April 16, 2026, President Donald Trump officially nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This significant appointment aims to fill the leadership vacuum at the agency, which has been operating under interim management for several months. Dr. Schwartz, a former physician in the U.S. Coast Guard, brings extensive experience in public health and military medical services to the role. Her nomination marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as it seeks to stabilize and direct national disease control efforts. The announcement was confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting the administration's focus on restoring permanent leadership to one of the nation's most critical health agencies. As the nominee, Dr. Schwartz will likely face Senate confirmation hearings where her qualifications and policy views will be scrutinized. This development underscores the ongoing political and administrative dynamics influencing public health infrastructure in the United States during the Trump administration's term.
nprTrump Nominates Erica Schwartz to Lead CDC, Sidestepping Vaccine Skeptics
President Donald Trump has officially nominated Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marking a strategic move to restore public trust in the agency. The appointment involves establishing a four-person leadership team to guide the CDC, which has experienced a significant decline in credibility amid recent health crises. By selecting Schwartz, the administration aims to avoid the controversy associated with prominent vaccine skeptics, signaling a potential shift toward more traditional public health expertise. This decision comes as the White House seeks to stabilize the agency's role in advising Americans on navigating complex health challenges. The nomination reflects an effort to balance political considerations with the need for scientific reliability, addressing concerns raised by health professionals and the public alike. While the move is intended to repair the CDC's reputation, it occurs within a broader context of administrative changes and ongoing debates over health policy direction under the Trump presidency.
ashingtonpostTrump Nominates Former Coast Guard Doctor as CDC Chief
Former President Donald Trump has officially nominated Rear Admiral Erica Schwartz, a former Coast Guard doctor, to serve as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This significant appointment aims to fill the leadership vacuum at the agency, which has been operating under interim management for several months. The nomination highlights the administration's focus on placing military-affiliated medical professionals in key public health roles. Schwartz's background in the Coast Guard suggests a emphasis on disciplined operational readiness within the public health infrastructure. The selection process follows a period of uncertainty regarding the CDC's strategic direction, prompting stakeholders to watch closely how her leadership might influence future disease control protocols and public health communications. As the nominee moves through the confirmation process, her qualifications and potential policy shifts will likely face scrutiny from both political allies and opponents. This move underscores the intersection of military service and civilian public health administration, marking a notable shift in the profile of candidates selected for top health security positions in the United States.
nprTrump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director
President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a retired Rear Admiral and former Deputy Surgeon General, to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The nomination aims to fill a leadership vacancy that has persisted for most of Trump's second term, with the agency currently led by acting director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. Schwartz, a board-certified preventive medicine physician, previously served as the chief medical officer of the U.S. Coast Guard and holds degrees from Brown University, the University of Maryland, and the Uniformed Services University. Trump praised her distinguished military service and academic background on Truth Social, stating she would help restore scientific standards at the agency. Alongside Schwartz, Trump announced three additional executive appointments, including Sean Slovenski as CDC deputy director and Dr. Jennifer Shuford as chief medical officer. These appointees will work under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The nomination requires Senate confirmation, a process expected to take several months, during which Dr. Bhattacharya will continue in his acting role.
nprWhite House Considers Former Deputy Surgeon General for CDC Leadership
The White House is currently evaluating Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, as a potential candidate to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This development marks a significant step in the administration's effort to appoint new leadership for the key public health agency. Schwartz, whose photo is credited to the U.S. Coast Guard, brings extensive experience from her previous role within the Office of the Surgeon General. The consideration of her candidacy highlights the ongoing process of selecting high-level officials responsible for managing national health crises and public health policy. As the CDC plays a critical role in disease control and prevention strategies across the United States, the choice of its director is closely watched by health experts and policymakers alike. The report, published by Axios on April 15, 2026, underscores the political and administrative dynamics involved in staffing major federal health institutions. No final decision has been announced yet, but the vetting process indicates the administration's focus on finding a qualified leader with a strong background in public health service to guide the agency through future challenges.
axiosTrump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director
President Donald Trump has officially nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general during his first term, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The announcement was made via Truth Social, where Trump praised Schwartz's distinguished career in the U.S. Military and her previous service in his administration. Alongside Schwartz, Trump announced appointments for three other key health positions: Sean Slovenski as the CDC's chief operating officer, Dr. Jennifer Shuford as the agency's chief medical director, and Dr. Sara Brenner as senior counselor for public health to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While the administration highlights the team's potential, the nominations have drawn scrutiny from former health officials. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a former CDC center head who resigned in protest of recent personnel changes under Kennedy, expressed concern that political interference could hinder the new team's ability to effectively serve public health interests. This move signifies a significant restructuring of top leadership within the U.S. public health infrastructure under the current administration.
NBC News Top StoriesErica Schwartz Tapped to Lead CDC Amid Leadership Turmoil
Erica Schwartz is anticipated to be selected by the incoming Trump administration to serve as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This appointment, which remains pending final approval from President-elect Donald Trump, comes at a critical juncture for the federal health agency. The CDC is currently navigating significant internal leadership turmoil and facing intense public controversy regarding its vaccine guidance protocols. The selection of Schwartz signals a potential shift in the agency's strategic direction under the new administration. As the nation's primary public health institute, the CDC plays a vital role in disease control and prevention efforts. However, recent disputes over health mandates and scientific communication have undermined public trust and created operational challenges within the organization. The expected nomination highlights the administration's intent to reshape key health institutions. Observers will closely monitor how Schwartz addresses existing controversies and stabilizes the agency's leadership structure. This development underscores the intersection of political appointments and public health policy, reflecting broader debates over scientific authority and governmental oversight in health matters during the transition of power in Washington.
WSJ.com: PoliticsDr. Erica Schwartz Emerges as White House's Top Pick for CDC Leader
Dr. Erica Schwartz, a Coast Guard rear admiral and former deputy Surgeon General during the first Trump administration, has been identified as the White House's leading candidate to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This development follows the August ousting of previous director Susan Monarez, who was removed just weeks after confirmation due to conflicts with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Since then, NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has overseen the agency in an acting capacity. Bhattacharya recently acknowledged significant challenges facing the CDC, including severe staff morale issues, multiple rounds of job cuts, and a tragic shooting incident outside the Atlanta campus that resulted in the death of a police officer. Schwartz brings extensive experience from her 24-year tenure in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and holds medical and law degrees from Brown University and the University of Maryland, respectively. The Wall Street Journal initially reported her status as the frontrunner. Her potential appointment aims to stabilize the agency amidst ongoing internal struggles and leadership vacuums within the federal health infrastructure.
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