Senate hearing probes CDC nominee Erica Schwartz amid concerns over political pressure from RFK Jr. and Trump

Senate leaders questioned Erica Schwartz, the administration's nominee to head the CDC, about her ability to resist political pressure during a Wednesday hearing.

Lawmakers referenced the earlier ouster of former CDC director Susan Monarez by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policy disputes, asking whether Schwartz might face a similar fate.

Schwartz declined to give a clear answer on whether she would push back against the health secretary or RFK Jr., saying she would focus on the agency's work.

The hearing underscores the ongoing tension between public‑health leadership and political actors, a dynamic that could shape future CDC actions on vaccines and other health initiatives.