Erica Schwartz confirmed as new CDC chief amid US agency turmoil

Dr Erica Schwartz will helm the health agency after several of Trump’s previous nominees failed to advance.Published On 5 Aug 20265 Aug 2026The United States Senate has confirmed Dr Erica Schwartz as the new head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the federal health agency struggles with low morale and mass resignations since President Donald Trump’s return to office.The Senate confirmed Schwartz in a 51-44 vote on Wednesday, making the 54-year-old the agency’s first confirmed director since the Trump administration fired Susan Monarez last year over disputes regarding vaccine policy.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump cuts WHO off from Gavi vaccine alliance fundinglist 2 of 3US Senate’s Fauci hearing renews COVID origin debate but reveals littlelist 3 of 3US announces first two deaths from cyclospora outbreak in Michiganend of list“With all the turmoil of the past two years, the CDC desperately needs stability, experienced leadership and a steadfast commitment to science,” Dr Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association said in a statement Wednesday.Schwartz’s confirmation previously appeared in doubt as lawmakers questioned w...