Trump Nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz to Lead CDC, Citing 'STAR' Qualities and Commitment to Science President Trump has nominated former Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Erica Schwartz to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasizing her military service, academic achievements, and commitment to restoring scientific integrity. The nomination, along with several other key appointments, aims to revitalize the agency. Dr. Schwartz's confirmation is pending Senate approval, and she would oversee an agency seeking to overcome recent challenges and staff demoralization. President Trump has put forward Dr. Erica Schwartz as his nominee for the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Schwartz previously held the position of deputy surgeon general during President Trump's first administration. Trump expressed his confidence in Dr. Schwartz, highlighting her educational background from Brown University for both college and medical school, and her distinguished career as a Doctor of Medicine within the United States Military, which he described as the Greatest and Most Powerful Force in the World. He further lauded her previous service as his Deputy Surgeon General during his First Term, referring to her as a STAR. In addition to Dr. Schwartz's nomination, President Trump announced three other executive appointments aimed at bolstering the CDC's leadership. Sean Slovenski, a former executive from Walmart, has been appointed as the CDC deputy director and chief operating officer. Dr. Jennifer Shuford will serve as deputy director and chief medical officer. Dr. Sara Brenner, a senior official at the Food and Drug Administration, has been named senior counselor for public health to the health secretary. President Trump emphasized that the collective knowledge, experience, and TOP degrees of these individuals are intended to restore the GOLD STANDARD OF SCIENCE at the CDC. The nomination for CDC director requires approval from the Senate. Currently, the CDC is being led in an acting capacity by Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who also holds the position of director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Bhattacharya assumed leadership of the CDC in February and is expected to continue in his role throughout the Senate confirmation process, which could span several months. If confirmed, Dr. Schwartz would report to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency that oversees the CDC. Dr. Schwartz is a retired Rear Admiral and a board-certified physician specializing in preventive medicine. Her extensive prior experience includes serving as the chief medical officer of the U.S. Coast Guard and her aforementioned tenure as deputy surgeon general in the first Trump administration. She holds a medical degree from Brown University, a law degree from the University of Maryland, and a master's in public health degree. Admiral Brett Giroir, who supervised Dr. Schwartz and worked closely with her on the national COVID testing strategy during his time as assistant health secretary in the first Trump administration, described her as an outstanding person in all regards, possessing intellect and academic training second to none. He further characterized her as a person of the highest integrity and commitment to service to this country. Admiral Paul Zukunft, the former commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, appointed Dr. Schwartz as their chief medical officer in 2015. He commended her brilliance as both a doctor and a lawyer, her dedication to scientific principles, and her adeptness in clear and diplomatic communication. Admiral Zukunft noted that she was never hesitant to speak truth to power. Dr. Georges Benjamin, the head of the American Public Health Association, welcomed Dr. Schwartz's nomination, stating that the administration has identified a highly qualified individual with a proven record of competence as both a skilled physician and an effective manager. He added that her statements have consistently been grounded in good science. Dr. Benjamin also pointed out that Dr. Schwartz could be the first CDC director to graduate from the USU School of Medicine, an institution he referred to as the West Point of medicine. Dr. Schwartz presents herself as a physician dedicated to public service with a strong focus on preventive care. Her public communications, often in short video formats, have addressed topics such as loneliness, the significance of adequate sleep and regular health screenings, the advantages of walking, and health priorities across different age groups. During a celebration of National Public Health Week, Dr. Schwartz outlined her professional philosophy, stating that during her time as a military physician, her primary role revolved around readiness and public health, encompassing prevention, vaccinations, and early detection. She believes that effectively addressing these areas can profoundly change lives by preventing illness before it begins. Administration officials have reportedly faced challenges in identifying a nominee for the CDC director position who could secure Senate confirmation without alienating supporters of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., particularly those with significant concerns regarding approved vaccines. MAHA Action, a political organization aligned with Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again agenda, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The incoming CDC director will face the task of leading an agency currently experiencing significant challenges, including staff demoralization stemming from substantial reductions in staffing, budget, and programs implemented last year. During a budget hearing on Thursday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressed his belief that the proposed new leadership team would be instrumental in revolutionizing the CDC and guiding it back to its intended path. According to two CDC officials who spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, current staff members have expressed cautious optimism regarding Dr. Schwartz's nomination. One official indicated that the staff hopes the appointment of a seasoned executive team will restore stability to the agency's leadership, which they described as currently characterized by internal conflicts among numerous political appointees