The senator expressed concern to the White House about Weldon, and his nomination was elicited. Only 1 hour The hearing began before the confirmation hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee.
The White House's decision to abandon Weldon's nomination represents a rare setback for the Trump administration. The Trump administration was able to see all the cabinet picks of the president, except for the first choice of former Attorney General Matt Getz (R-FLA), who retracted from consideration in November. Bipartisan criticism.
What went wrong with Weldon: Several senators pointed to Weldon's past comments and views, which were highly critical of the vaccine's safety.
In his time in Congress and years after taking office in 2009, Weldon raised questions about vaccine safety and potential connections to autism.
“Some of us were concerned about [Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s] Sen. Tom Tillis (RN.C.) told reporters.
Tillis said Weldon's “past comments raised sufficient questions.” Promoted by science.
Kennedy also expressed similar views as longtime vaccine critic Weldon, but confirmed with almost indifferent GOP support.
However, the political risks of Weldon, the opposition, were minor. Kennedy is very popular Continued As a face of the “make America healthy again” movement and as a personal support for President Trump.
Weldon is a former lawmaker who practiced medicine in relatively political obscurity before Trump tapped him to lead the CDC at Kennedy's request.
Weldon's downfall was also driven by a general lack PreparationAccording to sources.
At his meeting with the senator, he was intended to discuss him. Priority It didn't work because I convinced my job and lawmakers that I was on a mission to carry out the CDC.
One source is Weldon authorities Of the CDC directors, he was unable to clarify his vision or agency priorities.
When he pushed his obvious lack of preparation, Weldon showed that he was too busy Patient forwarding They added, from his medical practices, in case he was confirmed.
