President-elect Donald Trump has announced his pick for the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), naming Dr. Dave Weldon, a former U.S. Representative from Florida and seasoned medical professional.
Dr. Weldon, 71, served in Congress from 1995 to 2009, representing Florida’s 15th district. He is known for his work on fiscal and social issues, especially in health-related matters.
Trump highlighted Weldon’s experience on the Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, where he focused on ensuring accountability within the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“Dave has been a respected conservative leader for decades,” Trump stated in the announcement. “As a Medical Doctor and Army veteran, he brings decades of expertise to the table. We believe he will help restore the CDC’s true purpose and bring much-needed reforms to our nation’s health infrastructure.”
Weldon’s appointment comes as the CDC faces mounting criticism and scrutiny, particularly over the last few years. Trump, who has been vocal about his concerns with the CDC’s handling of public health, stressed that trust in the agency needs to be rebuilt. “Americans have lost trust in the CDC and in our Federal Health Authorities, who have engaged in censorship, data manipulation, and misinformation,” he said. “We need someone who will correct these past errors and focus on disease prevention.”
If confirmed, Dr. Weldon will replace Dr. Mandy Cohen, who led the agency during the previous administration. Trump emphasized that Weldon’s leadership would be pivotal in addressing what he referred to as the “Chronic Health Crisis” in America. “With the CDC under Dr. Weldon’s leadership, we will focus on transparency, competence, and high standards,” Trump remarked. “We will make America healthy again.”
Weldon’s nomination comes at a time of increased attention on public health policy, with some praising the appointment and others expressing concern. Roger Stone, a longtime Trump ally, praised the decision on social media, calling it “a great appointment for those who believe in transparency and health freedom.”