Susan Monarez

Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed as the first Senate-approved CDC director in nearly a year, succeeding acting leader Susan Monarez.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a 51-44 vote. Schwartz, with a background in medicine, law, and leadership roles at the U.S. Coast Guard and as deputy surgeon general, becomes the agency's first confirmed director in nearly a year. The CDC has faced political challenges, staff losses, and leadership instability under recent administrations.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new CDC director amid a Cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce. The confirmation followed scrutiny over her independence from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly regarding vaccine policies. Schwartz succeeds Susan Monarez, who resigned after a brief tenure due to disagreements with Kennedy.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director amid a Cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce. Lawmakers, including Bill Cassidy, expressed concerns about Schwartz's ability to challenge CDC leadership on vaccine-related issues. This follows the brief tenure of previous CDC director Susan Monarez, who was removed after a month.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director in a 51-44 vote, making her the agency's 22nd leader. The CDC has faced political interference and workforce losses, with Schwartz becoming the third Trump nominee for the role in 18 months. Previous nominees included Dr. David Weldon and Susan Monarez, both of whom failed to secure long-term positions.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director with a 51-44 vote, marking the agency's first confirmed leader in nearly a year. The CDC has faced turmoil under recent leadership, including political appointments and staff losses, with Schwartz being the third Trump nominee for the role in 18 months.

The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced Dr. Erica Schwartz’s nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with a 13-10 vote. The confirmation hearing included bipartisan scrutiny over handling political influence in vaccine policy, and President Donald Trump nominated Schwartz in April.

Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advanced to the Senate floor after a 13-10 vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The confirmation hearing included questions about potential political interference in vaccine policy, with committee chair Sen. Bill Cassidy expressing initial dissatisfaction but later supporting her nomination. Schwartz, a former U.S. Navy physician and deputy surgeon general, would oversee the CDC amid controversies involving HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine-skeptical agenda.

The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with a 13-10 vote. The confirmation hearing included questions about handling political interference in vaccine policy, and Schwartz's nomination faces scrutiny amid concerns about the Department of Health and Human Services' vaccine-skeptical agenda.

Erica Schwartz, President Trump’s nominee for CDC director, expressed support for vaccines including mRNA-based COVID shots during a Senate hearing but did not address concerns about the agency’s independence from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist. The CDC has faced turmoil under Trump’s administration due to funding cuts, personnel changes, and conflicts over vaccine policies.

Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump’s nominee for CDC director, faced skepticism during a Senate confirmation hearing where she failed to secure bipartisan support. Lawmakers questioned her commitment to scientific integrity and transparency, with Chairman Bill Cassidy criticizing her evasive answers and expressing concerns about political influence.

Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump's nominee for CDC director, faced skepticism during a Senate confirmation hearing, with lawmakers questioning her commitment to nonpartisan science and transparency. She emphasized rebuilding public trust in the CDC through scientific integrity but did not secure clear support from Democrats or key Republicans.

The U.S. Senate committee is reviewing Dr. Erica Schwartz’s nomination to lead the CDC, which has faced leadership instability and significant staff losses. The agency has lost over 3,000 employees and operated under multiple temporary leaders since Trump returned to office. Previous nominees, including David Weldon and Susan Monarez, failed to secure long-term leadership roles.

The U.S. Senate committee is reviewing Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the CDC, which has faced leadership turmoil and significant staff losses. The agency has experienced frequent leadership changes and a decline in public health authority, with recent leaders including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former acting director Susan Monarez. Previous nominees, such as David Weldon, failed to secure confirmation.

Dr. Debra Houry, former CDC chief medical officer, described 'pure chaos' during Robert F. Kennedy's leadership at HHS and warned about threats to the scientific integrity of federal health agencies. She left the CDC in protest after the firing of then CDC director Susan Monarez.

Debra Houry resigned in protest after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired Susan Monarez. The resignation was discussed in an interview with Margaret Brennan on CBS News.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal anti-vaccine advocate, refuses to support evidence-based vaccine policies from the next CDC director and has removed scientific data conflicting with his views. Trump-nominated CDC director Erica Schwartz, a respected public health official, faces challenges under Kennedy, who previously ousted the prior CDC director, Susan Monarez, for resisting his anti-vaccine agenda.

President Trump nominated former deputy surgeon general Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC, aiming to address its leadership vacuum and demoralized workforce. He also appointed several other officials, including Sean Slovenski and Jennifer Shuford, to key roles at the agency.

CDC Director Susan Monarez was removed from her position, but her attorneys claim the firing is legally deficient. Monarez asserts only President Trump can legally dismiss her.