A CDC Confirmation: What Dr. Erica Schwartz Told Senators

Dr. Erica Schwartz has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She was deputy surgeon general in the previous administration and has long worked in public health. Her nomination was announced on April 16, 2026, and she appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for a confirmation hearing on July 15, 2026.

At the hearing she said, "I will never betray the science," and she promised radical transparency to rebuild trust in the agency. She also said that she did not believe Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or President Trump would ask her to do anything that would harm public health. Although some senators were incredulous and pressed her with direct questions, she replied that she would follow scientific evidence while consulting with the Department of Health and Human Services. Since the agency has faced turmoil in recent months, her answers were intended to reassure lawmakers and the public. The pick came after a period of leadership turmoil and disputes over vaccine policy. Observers noted that her record includes management of vaccine programs and responses to public health emergencies.