16. April 2026
Trump Taps Establishment Pick to Head CDC
WASHINGTON-- President Donald Trump on Thursday announced his intention to nominate Erica Schwartz to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, selecting a longtime government physician with prior experience in his administration for the nation’s top public health post.
Schwartz, a career civil servant, previously served as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first term and has held several senior leadership roles in federal health systems. Her background includes overseeing medical operations and workforce health initiatives for the U.S. Coast Guard, where she worked as chief medical officer and director of health, safety and work-life, managing the service’s health care delivery structure.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Schwartz’s academic and professional credentials, noting that she earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University and served as a physician in the U.S. military. He also pointed to her prior role in his administration, describing her tenure as deputy surgeon general as part of a “distinguished career.”
Schwartz also attained the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, reflecting her senior standing within the federal public health system.
Her selection is widely viewed as a more conventional choice for the role compared to other figures associated with newer public health advocacy movements, including those aligned with the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Early reaction to the nomination has been relatively measured across party lines.
Speaking at a House committee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the appointment has drawn support from both Republicans and Democrats. He added that the incoming leadership team could help reposition the CDC and improve its effectiveness.
Alongside Schwartz’s nomination, Trump named several individuals to other senior CDC-related posts. Sean Slovenski, former president of Walmart Health, is slated to serve as deputy director and chief operating officer. Jennifer Shuford, currently commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, has been selected as deputy director and chief medical officer. Sara Brenner, the Food and Drug Administration’s principal deputy commissioner, will take on a role as senior counselor for public health within the Department of Health and Human Services under Kennedy.
In his announcement, Trump said the group brings strong academic credentials and professional experience, framing the appointments as part of an effort to restore confidence in the CDC’s scientific leadership and direction.
The agency has been led on an interim basis for several months by National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya. The previous CDC director, Susan Monarez, was removed from the position in August after a brief tenure, following reported disagreements with Kennedy over vaccine policy.