Former Louisiana Health Official Leaves CDC Post

Dr. Ralph Abraham steps down as principal deputy director of the agency

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dr. Ralph Abraham, a former top state health official from Louisiana, is leaving his leadership role at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency announced that Abraham will step down as principal deputy director 'to address unforeseen family obligations'.

Why it matters

Abraham's departure from the CDC comes amid the agency's overhaul under the Trump administration, which has placed the CDC in the crosshairs of its 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and forced out officials who challenged its views on vaccines.

The details

Abraham, 71, was previously Gov. Jeff Landry's pick to lead the Louisiana Department of Health and was later appointed as the state's surgeon general. During his time as surgeon general, Abraham ended the state health department's annual flu vaccination campaign and promoted COVID-19 treatments that infectious disease experts have widely debunked.

  • On Monday, the CDC announced Abraham's departure.
  • Abraham was appointed to the principal deputy director role in November 2025 by the Trump administration.

The players

Dr. Ralph Abraham

A former top state health official from Louisiana who is stepping down from his role as principal deputy director of the CDC.

Jeff Landry

The governor of Louisiana who appointed Abraham to lead the state's Department of Health.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Health Secretary who has placed the CDC in the crosshairs of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and forced out officials who challenged his views on vaccines.

Dr. Evelyn Griffin

The replacement for Abraham as Louisiana's surgeon general, who was one of Kennedy's picks to the CDC's vaccine advisory panel and supported his policy to end guidelines for newborns to be vaccinated for hepatitis B at birth.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.'”

— Dr. Ralph Abraham (CDC statement)

What’s next

The CDC has not yet announced a replacement for Abraham as principal deputy director.

The takeaway

Abraham's departure from the CDC highlights the ongoing tensions between the agency and the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, which has sought to reshape the CDC's leadership and policies around vaccines and other public health issues.