Trump’s CDC Nominee Praises Vaccines, Without Vowing Independence From Kennedy

Erica Schwartz, nominated to lead the CDC, told the Senate on Wednesday that vaccines—including mRNA COVID shots—are safe and effective, and committed to following the science. That commitment matters given recent tensions at the agency. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, has pressured the CDC to scale back vaccine recommendations and, per KFF Health News, pushed out the previous director for refusing his demands. Senators from both parties questioned whether Schwartz can maintain scientific independence against future pressure. She made public promises to 'never compromise' on science, but skeptics remain unconvinced those commitments will hold when tested.

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