Trump Nominates New CDC Director as RFK Jr. Adopts Restrained Public Stance
The Trump administration is moving to stabilize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) amid concerns over Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial views. President Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy U.S. surgeon general, as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This nomination follows months of leadership chaos and high-profile resignations at the agency. Simultaneously, Kennedy has adopted a more restrained public persona, reportedly urged by the White House to avoid discussing vaccines to protect Republican prospects in upcoming midterm elections. During recent congressional testimony, Kennedy sidestepped questions about vaccine safety and autism links, focusing instead on dietary initiatives like whole milk in schools. The administration also appointed Chris Klomp as chief counselor to oversee Kennedy. Schwartz’s selection, along with other key appointments such as Jennifer Shuford as deputy director, signals a shift toward professional stability and traditional public health expertise within the CDC, aiming to restore morale and credibility after a period of significant turmoil and political interference.
Wire timeline
Trump Nominates New CDC Director as RFK Jr. Adopts Restrained Public Stance
The Trump administration is moving to stabilize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) amid concerns over Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial views. President Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy U.S. surgeon general, as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This nomination follows months of leadership chaos and high-profile resignations at the agency. Simultaneously, Kennedy has adopted a more restrained public persona, reportedly urged by the White House to avoid discussing vaccines to protect Republican prospects in upcoming midterm elections. During recent congressional testimony, Kennedy sidestepped questions about vaccine safety and autism links, focusing instead on dietary initiatives like whole milk in schools. The administration also appointed Chris Klomp as chief counselor to oversee Kennedy. Schwartz’s selection, along with other key appointments such as Jennifer Shuford as deputy director, signals a shift toward professional stability and traditional public health expertise within the CDC, aiming to restore morale and credibility after a period of significant turmoil and political interference.
The Atlantic