RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 15 sourcesThe agency has lost more than a quarter of its workforce since Trump’s return to office last year
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The Senate has confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), placing her at the helm of a critical public health agency grappling with significant political interference and plummeting morale.
Dr. Schwartz secured the position with a 51-44 vote, becoming the 22nd leader of the Atlanta-based institution responsible for safeguarding Americans from preventable health threats.
The 54-year-old brings a robust resume to the role, including medical and law degrees, a tenure as deputy surgeon general, and a leadership post within the U.S. Coast Guard, marking the first confirmed director for the agency in nearly a year.
Her nomination initially faced skepticism following a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing last month.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, and other committee members questioned Dr. Schwartz's resolve to challenge President Donald Trump’s health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., should he issue directives to the CDC that lacked scientific backing or sound public health practice.
However, weeks later, Senator Cassidy indicated he had gained confidence in Dr. Schwartz after further discussions with her and those familiar with her work.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately comment on Dr. Schwartz's start date or salary.
The CDC has been in a state of considerable upheaval since President Trump returned to office last year.
The agency has seen a dramatic loss of over 3,000 employees, representing more than a quarter of its workforce, largely due to layoffs and resignations.
Morale has suffered significantly amid a succession of mostly temporary leaders, with the front office frequently staffed by political appointees possessing limited or no medical or public health expertise.
The National Public Health Coalition, an organization comprising current and former CDC workers, issued a statement Wednesday underscoring the challenges ahead: "Now, Dr. Schwartz needs to prove that her leadership will serve science and not the whims of politicians. CDC needs a Director who will protect public health workers, defend evidence-based guidance, and refuse any directive that would undermine public safety."
When Dr. Schwartz was nominated in April, public health experts expressed cautious optimism, citing her extensive background.
They also noted that she was President Trump's preferred candidate, rather than Health Secretary Kennedy, who has been a prominent voice in the anti-vaccine movement prior to his appointment to oversee the CDC and other federal health agencies.
Dr. Schwartz is the third individual nominated by President Trump for the CDC director role within the past 18 months.
The first, former Florida congressman Dr. David Weldon, saw his Senate hearing canceled in March 2025 due to insufficient senatorial support. Subsequently, Susan Monarez, who had been serving as the CDC’s acting director, was confirmed by the Senate but removed from her post in less than a month, with administration officials stating she was not aligned with President Trump’s agenda.
Since then, a series of HHS officials have served as acting CDC directors.
Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association emphasized the urgent need for stability, stating Wednesday, "With all the turmoil of the past two years, the CDC desperately needs stability, experienced leadership and a steadfast commitment to science."
The CDC directorship is one of several key leadership vacancies across federal health agencies, including the U.S. surgeon general and the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
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