President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), selecting a physician and former military officer he described as a proven leader with both medical and legal expertise.
The president announced Schwartz would serve as CDC director, citing her background as a graduate of Brown University’s undergraduate and medical programs, along with additional training in public health and law. Trump stated that Schwartz previously served as a physician in the U.S. military and later held the position of deputy surgeon general during his first administration, calling her “incredibly talented” and “a star.”
The nomination includes a broader CDC leadership team: Sean Slovenski as deputy director and chief operating officer, Dr. Jennifer Shuford as deputy director and chief medical officer, and Dr. Sara Brenner as senior counselor for public health to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Schwartz’s career spans clinical practice, government service, and health policy work that aligns with Trump’s push to reshape federal health agencies with leaders perceived as more skeptical of entrenched bureaucracy. Public records indicate Schwartz held senior roles at the Department of Health and Human Services, including responsibilities related to veterans’ health and federal medical systems, and has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and modernizing delivery systems.
Supporters on the right have long argued that federal health agencies, such as the CDC, became overly politicized during the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing to shifting guidance on masks, vaccines, and school closures as evidence of institutional overreach. Trump allies assert that Schwartz’s military discipline, medical training, and legal background position her to restore credibility and refocus the agency on core public health missions rather than what they describe as mission creep.
Her prior role as deputy surgeon general during Trump’s first term is viewed by backers as a sign she understands the administration’s priorities and can implement reforms swiftly. Critics of the public health establishment have called for greater transparency at the CDC, including reassessments of data collection and communication methods to the public—issues expected to arise during Schwartz’s confirmation process.
The inclusion of Sean Slovenski, a former health technology executive, signals an emphasis on operational efficiency and modernization. Dr. Jennifer Shuford and Dr. Sara Brenner bring additional clinical and public health experience to the leadership team. This nomination comes as Trump and his allies continue advocating for sweeping changes across federal agencies, with health institutions being a particular focus following years of political disputes over pandemic policy.
If confirmed by the Senate, Schwartz would lead an agency critical to the nation’s response to infectious diseases and public health threats under a mandate from Trump to align with his administration’s approach to governance and accountability.
