Erica Schwartz confirmed as new CDC chief amid US agency turmoil

Add Al Jazeera on Google Erica Schwartz testifies during a Senate committee confirmation hearing to be the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC, July 15, 2026 [Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo] By Al Jazeera Staff, Reuters and The Associated Press Published On 5 Aug 20265 Aug 2026 The United States Senate has confirmed Dr Erica Schwartz as the new head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the federal health agency struggles with low morale and mass resignations since President Donald Trump’s return to office. The Senate confirmed Schwartz in a 51-44 vote on Wednesday, making the 54-year-old the agency’s first confirmed director since the Trump administration fired Susan Monarez last year over disputes regarding vaccine policy. Recommended Stories list of 3 items list 1 of 3Trump cuts WHO off from Gavi vaccine alliance funding list 2 of 3US Senate’s Fauci hearing renews COVID origin debate but reveals little list 3 of 3US announces first two deaths from cyclospora outbreak in Michigan end of list “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 in a statement Wednesday. Schwartz’s confirmation previously appeared in doubt as lawmakers questioned whether she would operate the agency based on scientific information or the demands of the president. During a hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions last month, Republican Bill Cassidy questioned whether Schwartz would remain firm if pressured by the administration. Cassidy later seemed to change his mind, stating that he had spoken with Schwartz and gained more confidence in her. She has medical and law degrees and previously served as deputy surgeon general, but will face considerable problems at the agency as the US experiences the worst Measles resurgence in three decades, falling childhood vaccination rates, and a cyclospora outbreak. Get instant alerts and updates based on your interests. Be the first to know when big stories happen. Yes, keep me updated “Now, Dr Schwartz needs to prove that her leadership will serve science and not the whims of politicians. CDC needs a Director who will protect public health workers, defend evidence-based guidance, and refuse any directive that would undermine public safety,” the National Public Health Coalition, an organisation of former and current CDC workers, said in a statement on Wednesday.