Erica Schwartz confirmed as new CDC chief amid US agency turmoil

The US Senate has confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 51-44 vote. This confirmation represents a rare success for the Trump administration in filling senior health positions. Dr. Schwartz is the third nominee put forward by President Trump to lead the CDC. Her appointment follows a period of leadership instability at the agency, with previous nominees David Weldon's nomination being withdrawn and Susan Monarez being fired by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. Dr. Schwartz will be the first permanent CDC director since Monarez.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday. Schwartz, who has medical and law degrees and prior experience as deputy surgeon general, becomes the agency's 22nd leader and its first confirmed director in nearly a year. Her confirmation followed concerns raised by some senators about her willingness to challenge President Trump's health secretary on science-based decisions. The CDC has experienced significant turmoil, including a substantial loss of employees and low morale, since President Trump's return to office, with a series of temporary leaders filling the director role. Schwartz's nomination was seen by public health experts as a cautiously optimistic development due to her background.