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CDC Principal Deputy Director Ralph Abraham Steps Down Amid Ongoing Leadership Upheaval
Abraham's departure adds to the turbulence at the agency as it faces questions about its mission and public trust.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Dr. Ralph Abraham, the principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is leaving the agency after just two months on the job. His exit comes amid an ongoing leadership shakeup at the CDC, which has seen multiple directors come and go in recent months.
Why it matters
The CDC has faced significant public scrutiny and loss of trust in its guidance and decision-making, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abraham's departure is the latest sign of instability at the top of the agency as it tries to rebuild its credibility and refocus on its core disease control mission.
The details
Abraham's statement cited "unforeseen family obligations" as the reason for his departure. His exit comes after the recent departures of acting CDC director Jim O'Neill and Senate-confirmed director Dr. Susan Monarez, who was abruptly removed after less than a month on the job. The agency has also seen thousands of staff reductions, though some positions were later reinstated.
- Abraham was sworn in as principal deputy director on December 15, 2025.
- He stepped down from his role in February 2026.
The players
Ralph Abraham
The former principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who stepped down after just two months in the role.
Jim O'Neill
The former acting director of the CDC who left his role at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Susan Monarez
The former Senate-confirmed CDC director who was abruptly removed after less than a month on the job.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya
The director of the National Institutes of Health who stepped in as acting director of the CDC in February 2026.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The HHS Secretary who, like Abraham, has promoted health freedom and expressed skepticism about vaccines.
What they’re saying
“It has been an honor to serve alongside the dedicated public health professionals at the CDC and to support the agency's critical mission.”
— Ralph Abraham, Former Principal Deputy Director, CDC (CDC website)
What’s next
The CDC will continue to search for a new permanent director as it navigates ongoing leadership changes and efforts to rebuild public trust in the agency.
The takeaway
The upheaval at the top of the CDC highlights the challenges the agency faces in regaining credibility and refocusing on its core disease control mission after years of perceived political influence and missteps, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
