Trump Appoints Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director

Former President Donald Trump announced that Dr. Erica Schwartz will lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Truth Social, he expressed his support for Schwartz, calling her “extremely talented” and mentioning her extensive qualifications.

“I am honored to name Dr. Erica Schwartz, MD, JD, MPH, as my CDC Director,” he stated. “Erica graduated from Brown University and pursued a successful career as an M.D. in the U.S. Army, eventually serving as Deputy Surgeon General during my first term. She is a star!”

Background on Dr. Schwartz

Schwartz previously occupied the position of Deputy Surgeon General from the latter part of the Trump administration into the early years of the Biden presidency, according to publicly available documents.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, thanked Trump for selecting Schwartz. He expressed optimism about working with her to restore trust and accountability at the CDC, envisioning a return to its foundational mission of promoting health in America.

Confirmation Process

Schwartz’s appointment now requires Senate confirmation. Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville commented on the necessity of this confirmation, expressing support.

In another announcement on Truth Social, Trump mentioned additional appointments, including Sean Slovenski as CDC Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer and Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, as Chief Medical Officer.

Trump concluded by praising his new team as being well-equipped to “restore the gold standard of science” at the CDC, asserting that it has misfocused under the current administration.