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Trump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz to Lead CDC Amid Leadership Crisis

KVIA•Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:38 PM•CNN Newsource

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President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a former Coast Guard officer and public health expert, to head the CDC, which has been without a permanent director since August. Schwartz brings extensive experience, having served as deputy surgeon general and led health initiatives in the Coast Guard. Her nomination comes as the agency faces scrutiny over its vaccine policies and recent leadership turmoil, including the dismissal of Dr. Susan Monarez. The Senate Health Committee will review her nomination, and if confirmed, Schwartz will need to navigate the challenges of restoring the CDC's credibility and addressing rising infectious disease rates, including measles. The deadline for confirming a permanent director is approaching, as the CDC cannot operate indefinitely without one.

Key Details: • Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated as CDC director, following Dr. Susan Monarez's dismissal. • Senate confirmation hearing pending; urgency due to federal Vacancies Act deadline. • CDC facing rising infectious diseases; measles cases at a 30-year high. • Schwartz's background includes leading disease surveillance and vaccination programs.

trump leadership public-health cdc vaccine-policy

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpCDCRobert F. Kennedy Jr.Dr. Susan MonarezDr. Jay BhattacharyaDr. Erica SchwartzDr. Sara BrennerDr. Jennifer ShufordUS Public Health Service Commissioned CorpsHouse Appropriations subcommittee

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