NIH’s Jay Bhattacharya will also serve as acting CDC director
National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya has been appointed as the temporary director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to two administration officials. This decision comes amidst a period of leadership turmoil within federal health agencies, with the CDC previously being led by acting director Jim O’Neill after the ousting of Senate-confirmed director Susan Monarez.
Bhattacharya rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for his outspoken criticism of the CDC’s response. He has been a vocal opponent of lockdowns and has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of masking measures. As a professor at Stanford Medical School, Bhattacharya used social media and public speaking engagements to share his views on these issues.
Recently, the CDC made headlines when it scaled back the recommended number of childhood vaccines, causing concern among pediatricians and public health experts. There are fears that diseases that have been largely controlled by vaccines could make a resurgence if vaccination rates decline.
During a congressional hearing, Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly in light of the measles outbreak in the U.S. He also refuted claims linking vaccines to autism, stating that he has not seen any credible evidence to support such claims. This stands in contrast to the views of President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who have perpetuated the debunked theory linking vaccines to autism.
As Bhattacharya takes on this new role at the CDC, he will continue to serve as the director of the National Institutes of Health. It remains to be seen who President Trump will choose as the permanent director of the CDC. In the meantime, Bhattacharya’s appointment signifies a shift in leadership and a new direction for the agency.
