Trump Taps Former Deputy Surgeon General to Lead CDC

Erica Schwartz's nomination comes amid turmoil at the public health agency.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:53am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of the CDC headquarters building in Atlanta, with the logo prominently displayed and the structure bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of uncertainty and transition.The CDC headquarters in Atlanta faces an uncertain future as the Trump administration continues to reshape the agency's leadership and priorities.Atlanta Today

President Donald Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, to be the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Schwartz's nomination comes as the Atlanta-based CDC has faced a succession of mostly temporary leaders since Trump returned to office more than a year ago.

Why it matters

The CDC, which is charged with protecting Americans from preventable health threats, has been in turmoil under the Trump administration, with political meddling in the agency's scientific research and health recommendations. Schwartz's nomination signals the administration's continued efforts to reshape the CDC's leadership and agenda.

The details

Schwartz holds multiple academic credentials, including both medical and law degrees. Her career has largely been spent in military uniform, including in a leadership position at the U.S. Coast Guard where she oversaw the organization's system of clinics and sick bays. She later served as deputy surgeon general, where she helped lead uniformed medical and health professionals posted at the CDC and other government health agencies.

  • Trump announced Schwartz's nomination on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Schwartz's nomination comes as the administration's previous picks to lead the CDC, including former Florida congressman Dr. David Weldon and Susan Monarez, have faced challenges or been ousted.

The players

Erica Schwartz

A former deputy surgeon general nominated by President Trump to be the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health Secretary who oversees the CDC and has promised to investigate the childhood vaccine schedule, drawing criticism from some public health experts.

Dr. David Weldon

The administration's first pick to run the CDC, whose March 2025 Senate confirmation hearing was canceled.

Susan Monarez

The CDC's acting director who was confirmed by the Senate but ousted in less than a month for not aligning with the administration's agenda.

Jay Bhattacharya

The National Institutes of Health Director who has been overseeing the CDC in recent weeks.

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What they’re saying

“She is a STAR!”

— President Donald Trump

“I think this new team is really going to be able to revolutionize CDC and get it back on track.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary

“she lacks the basic ethics and morals to lead the CDC.”

— Aaron Siri, Lawyer and ally of Kennedy

What’s next

Schwartz's nomination will now go to the Senate for confirmation. Her selection comes as Dr. Casey Means, Trump's pick for U.S. surgeon general, has faced difficulties getting confirmed, reflecting the skepticism lawmakers have expressed toward the administration's direction on public health issues.

The takeaway

Schwartz's nomination signals the Trump administration's continued efforts to reshape the leadership and agenda of the CDC, an agency that has faced turmoil and political interference under the current administration. Her selection raises concerns about the potential for further erosion of the CDC's scientific integrity and independence.