Trump nominates former deputy surgeon general to lead CDC

Axios
by Tina Reed
April 16, 2026
4 views
2 min read

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The Bottom Line

President Trump nominated Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC, which has faced turmoil and turnover.

How This Affects You

The leadership of the CDC impacts national public health strategies, which could affect your health and safety through disease prevention and health initiatives.

AI Summary

President Trump on Thursday nominated his former deputy surgeon general Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trump called Schwartz "a STAR!" in a Truth Social post and also appointed Sean Slovenski as CDC deputy director and chief operating officer. If confirmed, Schwartz would lead an agency that has been without a permanent political leader since Susan Monarez was fired in August. The CDC director is subject to Senate confirmation, and Schwartz has a traditional public health background, including 24 years in uniformed service as a rear admiral of the Coast Guard. Trump also named Jennifer Shuford as deputy director and chief medical officer, and Sara Brenner as senior counselor for public health to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

What's Being Done

President Trump nominated Erica Schwartz for director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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