Friday, 09 May 2025

DEVELOPING: Two Names Rumored For CDC Director

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According to a CBS News report, two names are being touted as potential candidates to receive the nod for CDC director. 

Former Texas Republican Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo.

The Trump administration must find a replacement for former Florida Republican Congressman Dr. Dave Weldon after he did not have the votes to secure the nomination.

UPDATE: CDC Director Nomination Withdrawn Moments Before Senate Confirmation Hearing

CBS News reports:

As Florida's surgeon general since 2021, Dr. Joseph Ladapo has drawn controversy on a number of issues, including contradicting federal guidance on COVID vaccines and for his handling of local measles outbreaks. But he has some prominent supporters.

Dr. David Weldon said Thursday, a week after his own nomination was pulled, that Ladapo should be at the top of President Trump's list to lead the CDC.

Weldon's backing of Dr. Joseph Ladapo comes days after Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis renewed his own support of the state's top doctor for the slot.

"I thoroughly support Dr. Ladapo for CDC director. He should be at the top of President Trump's list. He has done a great job for us here in Florida and his education and experience make him the perfect choice," Weldon said in a statement to CBS News.

Ladapo's prospects to be confirmed in the Senate could be steep, given his past record rejecting the CDC and Food and Drug Administration's COVID vaccine recommendations and for telling parents at the height of a measles outbreak that they could send unvaccinated children to school.

"Whoever they pick, to get past [GOP Sen. Bill] Cassidy, it's best if they have never said anything remotely critical of the childhood vaccine program. Though 90% of parents are refusing COVID shots for their kids, 50% are refusing the flu shot, and 10% are refusing the measles," said Weldon.

"Dr. Joe Ladapo is all of those things and has the courage and determination to do what’s right when it’s not easy. Ladapo as CDC Director means that MAHA is not just an empty slogan," Gov. DeSantis said.

"Ladapo would be a change agent as CDC Director," he added.

WATCH:

Per Fierce Healthcare:

Burgess, 74, practiced as an obstetrics and gynecology doctor before stepping into Capitol Hill in 2003. He chose not to seek reelection this past year.

He was an influential voice on health policy, having previously held the chair of the House’s Subcommittee on Health. From 2017 onward he also headed the GOP Doctor’s Caucus as its chair.

The former lawmaker is a staunch opponent of the Affordable Care Act, often pushing for its repeal, and more broadly advocates to reduce federal spending on healthcare. Among his final legislative packages was the Dr. Michael C. Burgess Preventive Health Savings Act, passed in the House but not the Senate, which would instruct the Congressional Budget Office to weigh whether proposed bills would bring savings beyond the traditional 10-year outlook window as a result of preventive health services.

Recent years on the Hill also saw Burgess frequently arguing in favor of lifting the ban on new physician-owned hospitals in rural areas.

He was explicitly supportive of COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic—a likely point in his favor among key senators who would be confirming his nomination.

Vaccine skepticism was a sticking point for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his confirmation and remains so following his comments on an outbreak of measles that began in Burgess’ home state of Texas.


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