Schwartz Takes Over the CDC as the Agency Faces Political Pressure, Workforce Losses and Low Morale
The Senate has confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, placing an experienced physician and former military health official in charge of an agency struggling with political interference, workforce losses and sinking morale.
Schwartz was confirmed Wednesday in a 51-44 vote, according to official Senate records. The 54-year-old will become the CDC’s 22nd director and its first Senate-confirmed leader in nearly a year.
Her professional background includes medical and law degrees, service as deputy U.S. surgeon general and a leadership role overseeing health operations for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Questions Over Political Pressure at the CDC
Schwartz faced pointed questions during her July confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and other lawmakers questioned whether she would resist pressure from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should the administration ask the CDC to take actions unsupported by scientific evidence or accepted public health practices.
Cassidy later said additional conversations with Schwartz and people familiar with her work increased his confidence in her ability to lead the agency.
During her confirmation testimony, Schwartz said she wanted to restore public confidence, strengthen scientific integrity and modernize the CDC’s ability to identify and respond to emerging health threats.
Schwartz Inherits an Agency in Crisis
The CDC has endured significant upheaval since President Donald Trump returned to office.
More than 3,000 employees — over one-quarter of the agency’s workforce — have reportedly left through layoffs and resignations. The agency has also cycled through temporary leaders while political appointees with limited medical or public health experience have taken positions in its front office.
The National Public Health Coalition, which represents current and former CDC employees, said Schwartz must demonstrate that her leadership will prioritize science over political demands.
“Now, Dr. Schwartz needs to prove that her leadership will serve science and not the whims of politicians,” the organization said. “CDC needs a Director who will protect public health workers, defend evidence-based guidance, and refuse any directive that would undermine public safety.”
Public health specialists initially expressed cautious optimism when Trump nominated Schwartz in April, pointing to her extensive medical, legal and military experience. Schwartz was Trump’s selection rather than Kennedy’s, a distinction that received attention because of Kennedy’s history of challenging established vaccine science.
Third Trump Nominee in 18 Months
Schwartz became Trump’s third nominee for CDC director within approximately 18 months.
The administration initially selected former Florida congressman Dr. David Weldon, but his March 2025 confirmation hearing was canceled shortly before it was scheduled to begin. Weldon said he was informed that he lacked enough Senate support.
Trump then selected Susan Monarez, who had served as acting director. Although the Senate confirmed Monarez, she was removed less than a month later after administration officials said she was not aligned with Trump’s agenda.
A series of Health and Human Services officials subsequently served as acting CDC directors.
“With all the turmoil of the past two years, the CDC desperately needs stability, experienced leadership and a steadfast commitment to science,” Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association said.
It was not immediately clear when Schwartz would formally begin the position. The administration also continues to face leadership vacancies at other federal health agencies, including the Office of the Surgeon General and the Food and Drug Administration.
The Associated Press first reported the confirmation and details surrounding the agency’s leadership challenges.
