Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump’s third nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, faced intense scrutiny from senators during her confirmation hearing on Tuesday, pledging "radical transparency" while repeatedly declining to challenge the record of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Schwartz deflected questions about political pressure from Kennedy and declined to commit to removing a CDC webpage linking childhood vaccines to autism. She acknowledged being unaware that CDC anti-smoking and pro-vaccination programs had been curtailed. Internal emails showed Kennedy’s office directed political review of major CDC decisions, including a directive to suspend flu vaccine promotion during a deadly season.
The agency has lost more than 3,000 employees since early 2025. Sean Kaufman, nominated for assistant secretary for preparedness and response, also faced questions about past statements questioning vaccine safety.