WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump nominated Erica Schwartz, a former deputy U.S. surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral, to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday.
Trump announced the nomination in a post on Truth Social, describing Schwartz as “incredibly talented” and a “STAR.” Schwartz, who holds MD, JD and MPH degrees, served as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first term and previously oversaw medical operations for the U.S. Coast Guard.
The position has been filled on an acting or interim basis for much of the second Trump administration following leadership changes at the agency. Schwartz’s nomination requires Senate confirmation. If confirmed, she would lead the Atlanta-based CDC, which is responsible for protecting public health and responding to disease threats.
Trump also announced other appointments at the CDC, including Sean Slovenski, a former Walmart executive, as deputy director and chief operating officer, and Jennifer Shuford, Texas’ health commissioner, as deputy director and chief medical officer. Sara Brenner, a former Food and Drug Administration official, was named senior counselor for public health to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy welcomed the nominations in a statement on X, saying he looked forward to working with the new team “to restore trust, accountability, and scientific integrity” at the CDC.
Schwartz has a background in military medicine and public health policy, including work on pandemic influenza preparedness during her Coast Guard service. She could not immediately be reached for comment.
Some vaccine policy critics, including attorney Aaron Siri, expressed opposition to the choice, citing Schwartz’s past support for vaccinations. Public health groups, including the American Public Health Association, praised her medical and leadership credentials.
The CDC has experienced significant leadership turnover since the start of the administration. Previous nominee David Weldon’s confirmation hearing was canceled, and acting director Susan Monarez was removed after less than a month in the role, officials said.
As of Friday, no date had been set for Schwartz’s Senate confirmation hearing. The agency continues to operate under interim leadership.
The nomination comes as the administration has sought to reshape federal health agencies amid ongoing debates over public health policy and scientific priorities.
