Nomination of Dr. David Weldon for CDC Chief Withdrawn Prior to Senate Hearing
The White House has pulled Dr. David Weldon's nomination to lead the CDC amid concerns over his vaccine skepticism and lack of support from Senate Republicans.
The CDC has faced mounting questions from senators in recent weeks over moves to reopen studies into whether vaccines are linked to autism and also over an abruptly canceled meeting of the agency's outside immunization advisers, which has yet to be rescheduled.
White House pulls Dave Weldon's nomination to run CDC
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Weldon's record on vaccines has been scrutinized, including debunked claims about vaccine safety.
White House withdraws controversial pick to run the CDC
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As far as the president was concerned, the CDC should be led by a longtime opponent of vaccines, who refused to abandon false theories, even in the face of overwhelming evidence.
Facing bipartisan opposition, White House abandons outlandish CDC nominee
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It is the first time a CDC director must be confirmed by the Senate, because of a law passed by Congress in 2022.
White House withdraws CDC nominee hours before Senate hearing
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Amid mounting pressure, Kennedy published an opinion piece on March 2 saying parents should consult with physicians about the MMR vaccine, which covers measles, mumps and rubella.
Trump yanks CDC nominee minutes before Senate hearing
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For decades it enjoyed a sterling reputation as a global leader on disease control and a reliable source of health information, boasting some of the top experts in the world.
Trump administration withdraws nomination of vaccine critic David Weldon for CDC director
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President Donald Trump is withdrawing his nomination of a former congressman to helm the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Trump Withdraws Nominee for CDC Director Dave Weldon
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Weldon’s nomination had been sharply criticized by health experts since it was announced last year.
White House withdraws nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC
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Weldon, a medical doctor and former Florida congressman, has made statements against vaccines in the past, which were expected to be brought up during his hearing.
White House pulls nomination of David Weldon as CDC director
FOX News·7d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.But the agency came under attack during the COVID-19 pandemic, repeatedly faulted for how it handled communications, masking guidance and others aspects of its pandemic response.
Trump administration withdraws nomination of David Weldon for CDC director
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The White House decided to pull Weldon’s nomination when it became clear that he would not have the votes to be favorably reported out of committee because of his past controversial comments about vaccines, the official said.
White House withdraws CDC director nomination just before his Senate confirmation hearing
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Summary
Dr. David Weldon's nomination to lead the CDC was withdrawn by the White House before his Senate confirmation hearing. Concerns over his vaccine skepticism, aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., led to a lack of Republican support. This marks the first Senate-confirmed position for the CDC director due to a 2022 law. Fellow lawmakers criticized Weldon's controversial views on vaccine safety, with significant voices in the Senate expressing strong opposition, highlighting the importance of scientifically grounded health leadership.
Perspectives
Dr. David Weldon's nomination to lead the CDC was withdrawn due to lack of support in the Republican-controlled Senate, highlighting internal party conflicts regarding vaccine skepticism.
Concerns were raised by Republican senators, including Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy, about Weldon's past comments on vaccines, indicating a divided stance within the party on public health issues.
Weldon’s withdrawal marks a significant moment as he was set to be the first CDC director nominee to face Senate confirmation, a reflection of changing oversight for public health leadership.