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New CDC Director Erica Schwartz Pledges Trust Rebuild

8/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Erica Schwartz, the new CDC director, pledged to advocate for the agency and rebuild public trust.
She will meet CDC staff to learn about burnout and “zombie” programs.
She joined a vaccine task force created by President Donald Trump’s executive order, which must report in 90 days.
She said she will not publicly disagree with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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Story summary

Dr. Erica Schwartz, the new CDC director, pledged to advocate for the agency and rebuild public trust.
She will meet CDC staff to learn about burnout and “zombie” programs.
She joined a vaccine task force created by President Donald Trump’s executive order, which must report in 90 days.
She said she will not publicly disagree with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.