Trump Appoints HHS Deputy Secretary, Confirms CDC Director Amid Policy Scrutiny
- Reports
- 12
- Developments
- 6
- Repetition
- 75%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
Donald Trump appointed Chris Klomp as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Erica Schwartz was confirmed as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on August 5, 2026, with Tim Kaine voting in her favor. Separately, Ron Wyden demanded transparency regarding HHS agreements with drug manufacturers, specifically concerning Medicare pilot programs and pricing deals negotiated by Chris Klomp.
Why it matters
The appointments place new leadership in charge of major public health and regulatory bodies. Scrutiny is focused on whether HHS agreements truly lower drug prices, as Wyden claims the primary beneficiaries are pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, the previous CDC director stated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressured her to preapprove vaccine guidelines without expert review.
Who's involved
- Donald TrumpAppointed Chris Klomp and nominated Erica Schwartz to leadership roles.
- Chris KlompAppointed HHS Deputy Secretary and lead negotiator of pharmaceutical agreements.
- Erica SchwartzConfirmed as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHas a new director facing allegations of political pressure overriding expert review.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Allegedly pressured the previous CDC director to fire experts and preapprove guidelines.
- Bill CassidyQuestioned Erica Schwartz during her nomination before voting in favor of her confirmation.
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.Ron Wyden demands transparency from Trump's nominee and highlights Medicare pilot program exemptions.1 source
- Erica Schwartz succeeded Susan Monarez as agency director and is now leading the agency under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure.Sub-event
Schwartz confirmed as CDC director; Kaine voted in favor, amid RFK Jr. pressure claims.1 source
- The President is pressuring a Cabinet member regarding vaccine studies, amid HHS infighting, and grooming Oz for a CMS role.Sub-event
- A nominee is currently being considered to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agency, with the process overseen by relevant committees.Sub-event
Trump appointed Chris Klomp as HHS Deputy Secretary and nominated Erica Schwartz for CDC director, leveraging Klomp's background in Medicare.1 source
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The entities involved
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Donald Trump
American businessman and politician (born 1946), President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
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Chris Klomp
American government official
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Erica Schwartz
American politician
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