The Trump administration’s nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Florida congressman with a history of vaccine skepticism, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been withdrawn. This decision comes just before a scheduled Senate committee meeting to discuss his nomination.
Axios first reported the withdrawal, highlighting concerns within the administration, including from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., regarding Weldon’s chances of confirmation given his controversial views. President Trump initially nominated Weldon late last year. The CDC director position, previously a presidential appointment, now requires Senate confirmation due to legislation passed during the Biden administration.
During his time in Congress (1994-2009), Weldon repeatedly questioned vaccine safety. He sponsored a 2007 bill to eliminate thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, from U.S. vaccines. In a statement supporting another bill, he raised concerns about a potential link between thimerosal, vaccines, and neurodevelopmental issues like autism.
Thimerosal was removed from many childhood vaccines in the late 1990s by U.S. and international health agencies due to initial concerns about potential health risks. However, subsequent research has overwhelmingly refuted any link between thimerosal and autism, and the original study suggesting a connection was retracted.
Despite the scientific consensus, Weldon maintained his vaccine skepticism. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), a member of the Senate HELP committee, stated that Weldon reiterated these views in a recent meeting. She vehemently opposed his nomination and issued a statement following its withdrawal.
“As we face one of the worst measles outbreaks in years, a vaccine skeptic who spent years spreading misinformation about safe and effective vaccines should never have been considered to lead the CDC,” Murray declared, also criticizing RFK Jr.’s role in spreading misinformation.
While RFK Jr. has expressed some support for measles vaccination, he also has a history of promoting vaccine misinformation. His response to the current measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma has included promoting unproven treatments. Surprisingly, reports suggest even Kennedy questioned Weldon’s readiness for the CDC director role. ABC News reported that the White House saw little chance of Weldon’s confirmation.
“The administration should nominate someone who believes in science and can lead the CDC’s efforts to monitor and prevent outbreaks,” Murray urged. The failed nomination may be a temporary setback in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape public health policy. The CDC is reportedly planning a study to re-examine the debunked vaccine-autism link, and the federal government is cutting research funding for crucial health areas, including vaccine hesitancy research.
