CDC Nominee Erica Schwartz Defends Science While Backing Kennedy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ CDC director nominee Dr. Erica Schwartz pledged to protect science and restore public trust during a contentious Senate confirmation hearing. Senators questioned whether she would resist political pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly on vaccines and CDC policies. Schwartz defended transparency but avoided criticizing Kennedy’s controversial actions.

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CDC Nominee Hearing Quick Looks

• Dr. Erica Schwartz appeared before the Senate Health Committee.
• She pledged to “never betray the science.”
• Senators questioned her independence from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
• Schwartz repeatedly declined to criticize Kennedy’s vaccine decisions.
• CDC has lost more than 3,000 employees since 2025.
• Morale has declined following layoffs and leadership changes.
• Democrats pressed Schwartz on vaccine guidance and CDC independence.
• Republicans asked her to examine AI data centers and public health concerns.
• Sean Kaufman also testified for the nation’s emergency preparedness post.
• Confirmation vote now moves to the Senate.

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CDC Nominee Erica Schwartz Defends Science While Backing Kennedy

Senate Confirmation Hearing Highlights CDC Leadership Challenges

Dr. Erica Schwartz promised senators Wednesday that she would follow science and increase transparency if confirmed as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while also defending many of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s actions that have reshaped federal public health policy.

The hearing underscored growing concerns over the future direction of America’s leading public health agency, which has experienced sweeping layoffs, leadership turnover and declining morale during President Donald Trump’s second administration.

Schwartz told lawmakers she would “never betray the science” and pledged to restore public confidence in the CDC through what she described as “radical transparency.”

Senators Question Independence from RFK Jr.

Much of the hearing focused on whether Schwartz would act independently from Kennedy, who has repeatedly altered vaccine recommendations and reorganized CDC operations.

Democratic senators questioned whether she would resist political interference if scientific evidence conflicted with administration priorities.

Schwartz repeatedly declined to openly disagree with Kennedy’s actions.

When asked whether she would continue promoting flu vaccinations if directed to stop, Schwartz avoided directly answering, saying she does not respond to hypothetical scenarios.

Lawmakers noted that such directives had already occurred under Kennedy’s leadership, citing internal CDC communications previously released by Congress.

CDC Faces Workforce Losses and Falling Morale

The CDC has undergone significant changes since President Trump returned to office.

According to testimony during the hearing:

• More than 3,000 employees have left the agency.
• The workforce has declined by over one-quarter.
• Numerous senior scientific officials have resigned.
• Several acting directors have rotated through the agency.
• Political appointees have assumed greater leadership roles.

Public health leaders say those changes have weakened the CDC’s ability to respond consistently during disease outbreaks and national emergencies.

Military and Public Health Experience

Schwartz brings decades of military medical experience to the nomination.

Her background includes:

• Leadership within the U.S. Coast Guard health system.
• Oversight of 41 medical clinics and 150 sick bays.
• Service as Deputy Surgeon General.
• Experience supervising public health professionals assigned to the CDC and other federal agencies.

Most recently, Schwartz worked for UnitedHealth Group and pledged to resign from that position and divest financial interests if confirmed.

She also agreed to step down from several corporate board positions to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Vaccine Policies Remain a Central Issue

Vaccines remained one of the hearing’s most contentious topics.

Schwartz acknowledged that current scientific evidence does not support any connection between childhood vaccines and autism.

However, she declined to commit to removing CDC website material discussing the issue, explaining she had not reviewed the content personally.

She also indicated the CDC should focus more narrowly on infectious disease response, suggesting the agency may have expanded beyond its original mission over time.

Emergency Preparedness Nominee Also Faces Questions

Senators also questioned Sean Kaufman, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.

Kaufman faced scrutiny over previous social media posts criticizing the CDC and expressing skepticism about some vaccine policies.

He defended the safety of COVID-19 vaccines while supporting additional review of mRNA vaccine research.

Democratic lawmakers questioned whether slowing research into mRNA technology could leave the United States less prepared for future pandemics.

Confirmation Process Continues

Schwartz’s nomination now advances toward further Senate consideration.

Her confirmation comes at a pivotal time for the CDC as the agency seeks to rebuild public confidence while navigating significant political debate over vaccines, scientific independence and the federal government’s public health priorities.

The hearing highlighted the broader challenge facing the agency: balancing scientific integrity with the policy direction established by the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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