Stunning Reversal: Trump Drops CDC Nominee Hours Before Hearing!

The White House has withdrawn Dave Weldon’s nomination for CDC Director just hours before his scheduled Senate confirmation hearing.

United States: The White House has withdrawn its nominee for the position of Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just hours before he was scheduled to appear before a Senate committee.

The Trump administration decided to pull Dave Weldon’s nomination after realizing he lacked the necessary votes for confirmation in the Senate, an official informed CBS News, a partner of the BBC.

Up until now, the Senate has approved all of President Trump’s nominees, even those who faced significant controversy.

Weldon had been set to testify before the Senate Health Committee on Thursday at 10:00 AM EST (14:00 GMT).

In November, Trump selected the 71-year-old physician and former Republican congressman to lead the CDC.

This marks the first time that a CDC director must receive Senate approval due to a law enacted by Congress in 2022.

Both the White House and Weldon have been contacted by the BBC for comments regarding the withdrawal.

Speaking to The New York Times, Weldon expressed mixed emotions about the decision.

Congratulations Dr. Dave Weldon on your nomination as Director of CDC. Dr. Weldon is a 40-year medical doctor, Congressman, and Army veteran. Dave’s leadership at CDC will bring the truth and transparency needed to restore the public’s confidence in this institution. Welcome… pic.twitter.com/hu8bHdSqKa

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) November 23, 2024

“It was unexpected, but in some ways, it’s a relief,” he said. “Government positions require a great deal of commitment, and if this isn’t where God wants me, I’m at peace with that.”

The CDC is responsible for overseeing vaccine recommendations, tracking the spread of infectious diseases, and working to prevent chronic illnesses.

Weldon had expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose department supervises the CDC, to implement his proposed “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.

He also mentioned that he and Kennedy had been longtime friends, according to BBC.

The health secretary has faced criticism over his handling of recent measles outbreaks, which have affected over 250 people nationwide.

Kennedy, who has voiced skepticism about measles vaccines and other childhood immunizations, downplayed the outbreak’s severity, calling it “not unusual,” while also promoting treatments not widely endorsed by medical experts.

Weldon himself has also been known to spread misinformation about vaccines, including debunked claims linking them to autism.

Good!
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White House pulls nomination of Dave Weldon as CDC director hours before hearing – STAT https://t.co/AmQ4rS0iTV

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