# Trump's CDC Nominee Schwartz Vows to 'Never Betray Science' Pledges to restore trust in agency during Senate confirmation hearing - **Source:** [Scientific American Content: Global](https://brifing.si/source/4f066134-e06d-4415-87ef-305e3dc2aba6) - **Published:** 2026-07-15 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f6c76797-3755-42aa-b2c2-21b7e93051c3 ## Pivotal Nomination Process Former Surgeon General deputy Erica Schwartz faced Senate questioning as CDC director nominee. At July 2026 hearing, she prioritized restoring the agency's scientific credibility. Marks Trump administration's third attempt to fill this critical role. ## Addressing Trust Deficit Recent polls show public trust in CDC dropped to 50%. Schwartz promised 'radical transparency' to rebuild the agency, operating under the shadow of conflicts with previous administration. ## Resisting Political Pressure Senators sought guarantees Schwartz would uphold science against potential pressure from Health Secretary Kennedy. The hearing occurred against backdrop of predecessor Monarez's vaccine policy-related dismissal. ## Vaccine-Autism Controversy Senator Sanders challenged CDC's website content linking vaccines to autism. Schwartz affirmed autism causes remain unknown but vaccines don't cause it - a position backed by overwhelming evidence. ## Professional Background As Coast Guard chief medical officer and former deputy surgeon general, Schwartz brings blend of civil service and military discipline. She emphasized combining these with scientific rigor. ## Institutional Turning Point This nomination could free CDC from political interference and restore its global health leadership post-pandemic. Schwartz's stewardship carries profound implications for scientific community worldwide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trumps-latest-cdc-chief-pick-erica-schwartz-faces-senate-confirmation-hearing/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._