Senate confirms Trump pick Erica Schwartz as new CDC director
The US Senate has confirmed Dr Erica Schwartz as head of the CDC, a rare win for the Trump administration. Schwartz is the third nominee to lead the agency after two failed attempts.
The US Senate has confirmed Dr Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 51–44 vote. The decision marks a rare victory for the Trump administration, which had previously struggled to fill senior health positions. Schwartz’s confirmation came after considerable political debate, highlighting the administration’s difficulties in securing Senate approval for top health officials.
Schwartz is Donald Trump’s third choice to lead the agency. She takes over during a period of significant leadership turnover and will be the first permanent CDC director since Susan Monarez, Trump’s second nominee. Monarez was dismissed last year by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after less than a month in the role, reportedly over a disagreement on vaccine policy.
The first nominee, former Florida congressman David Weldon, was withdrawn by the White House in March 2025, shortly before his confirmation hearing. Schwartz’s confirmation is seen as a step towards stabilising the CDC after a turbulent period, though challenges remain, including rebuilding public trust in the health agency. The source indicates that more details are expected soon.
