Former President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The selection ends a prolonged search for a permanent leader of the embattled public health agency.
Dr. Schwartz, a rear admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, previously served as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first administration. She holds advanced degrees in medicine (MD), law (JD), and public health (MPH), bringing a multidisciplinary background to the role.
"It is my Honor to nominate the incredibly talented Dr. Erica Schwartz, MD, JD, MPH, as my Director of the CDC," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "She is a STAR!"
The CDC has faced scrutiny in recent years over its handling of public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic. Schwartz’s nomination signals Trump’s intent to restore confidence in the agency’s leadership and decision-making processes.
As CDC director, Schwartz would oversee the agency’s efforts to address emerging health threats, coordinate responses to disease outbreaks, and protect the health of American workers and families. Her military background and public health expertise position her to navigate complex challenges in domestic and international health policy.
The nomination now heads to the Senate for confirmation. If approved, Schwartz will assume one of the most critical roles in shaping the nation’s public health strategy.