New CDC Chief Promises to Stand by Science After Shaky Start

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC on August 5, 2026, in a 51-44 vote. She is Trump's third pick for the role. David Weldon was withdrawn, and Susan Monarez was fired by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policy. Schwartz promised she "will never betray the science." Whether Kennedy will let her remains unclear.