On July 15, 2026, Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general and rear admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee during her confirmation hearing to become the next director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nominated by President Donald Trump, Schwartz emphasized her deep commitment to public health and science, pledging to restore public trust in the agency and to "never betray the science" if confirmed.
Erica Schwartz brings extensive experience in public health and military medicine to the nomination. During the first Trump administration, she served as deputy surgeon general, a civil service role rather than a political appointment, and previously held the position of chief medical officer in the Coast Guard. At the hearing, Schwartz underscored that "public health is in my DNA," signaling her dedication to the mission of the CDC amid a challenging period for the agency.
Her remarks come amid a notable decline in public confidence in the CDC. According to a poll released in June 2026, only 50 percent of Americans expressed trust in the agency's health recommendations, a significant drop from 77 percent in the spring of 2025. This decline has coincided with the Trump administration's efforts to reshape the nation's health and science agencies, a process that has sparked controversy and upheaval within the CDC in particular.
The agency's leadership has seen considerable turmoil over the past year. The first CDC director appointed under Trump's second term, Susan Monarez, was dismissed in August 2025 under contentious circumstances. Monarez alleged that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), forced her out because she resisted endorsing vaccine policies that conflicted with established scientific research. Following Monarez's departure, investor Jim O'Neill served as interim CDC director until February 2026, after which Jay Bhattacharya, the current head of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), assumed the role of acting CDC director.
If confirmed, Schwartz will be required to work under the oversight of Secretary Kennedy, whose tenure has been marked by skepticism toward certain scientific consensus, particularly regarding vaccines. During the confirmation hearing, Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the committee, referenced the difficult circumstances surrounding Monarez's departure and questioned Schwartz on whether she would be willing to stand up to Kennedy if necessary. Schwartz responded firmly, stating, "If I'm confirmed as a CDC director, the nation's health and well-being will take primacy, and I will never compromise on that."
Cassidy further pressed Schwartz on her ability to reject "junk science," an apparent reference to vaccine skepticism within the administration. Schwartz reaffirmed her commitment to scientific integrity, promising "radical transparency" and leadership "with humility." Her insistence on adhering strictly to science came as a reassurance to lawmakers concerned about the administration's direction for the nation's top public health agency.
Senator Bernie Sanders also focused his questioning on vaccines, specifically addressing misinformation linking vaccines to autism-a claim that has been thoroughly debunked by scientific studies. Sanders asked Schwartz whether she would commit to removing such misleading information from the CDC website. Schwartz replied that while the causes of autism are not fully understood, she accepts the overwhelming scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism. She stated that if confirmed, she would discuss the matter with Secretary Kennedy to ensure the CDC's communications reflect sound science.
Schwartz's nomination and hearing take place against a backdrop of increasing public scrutiny and political tension surrounding the CDC. The agency's role in guiding the nation's health policies, particularly regarding vaccines and pandemic preparedness, has become a focal point of debate. The erosion of public trust poses a significant challenge for the incoming director, who must navigate complex political dynamics while maintaining the CDC's scientific credibility.
The confirmation hearing also highlighted the broader struggle within the Trump administration to balance political considerations with scientific expertise. Schwartz's assurances to prioritize science and public health suggest an effort to restore the CDC's reputation as a trusted source of health guidance. However, the influence of Secretary Kennedy and the administration's approach to vaccine policy remain variables that will affect how effectively the agency can operate.
As the situation develops, the Senate committee's decision on Schwartz's nomination will be closely watched by public health professionals, lawmakers, and the American public. Her ability to lead the CDC through a period of uncertainty and to rebuild confidence in its recommendations will be crucial for the nation's health outcomes.
This story is ongoing and may be updated as new information emerges.
Claire Cameron, the author of the original report, is the breaking news chief at Scientific American and has contributed to numerous publications including National Geographic and Slate. Her reporting focuses on science and health policy, providing critical insights into current developments in these fields.
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