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CDC nominee says she won't betray science — and also backs Kennedy's actions
By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 15, 2026
· 7 min read
The Trump administration's latest nominee to lead the nation' top public health agency drew frustrated reactions from some U.S. senators on Wednesday when they pressed her on whether she would protect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from political meddling.Dr. Erica Schwartz told t...
Key takeaway Erica Schwartz told the Senate health committee she "will never betray the science” and pledged to use “radical transparency” in a bid to rebuild public trust in the agency.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In the context of San Antonio 's own health landscape, the potential leadership change at the CDC has significant implications. With the city's large population and status as a major metropolitan area, local health officials often rely on guidance from the CDC to inform their response to outbreaks and other public health emergencies. The turmoil at the CDC, including the loss of over 3,000 employees and a succession of temporary leaders, has likely been felt in San Antonio, where health officials may be forced to navigate a lack of clear direction from the federal agency. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that local health officials have a reliable and authoritative partner in the CDC to ensure the health and safety of San Antonio's residents. The nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz and her pledge to use "radical transparency" may be a step towards restoring confidence in the CDC, but her willingness to back Kennedy's actions may raise concerns among local health officials who value scientific integrity.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Trump administration's latest nominee to lead the nation' top public health agency drew frustrated reactions from some U.S. senators on Wednesday when they pressed her on whether she would protect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from political meddling.Dr. Erica Schwartz told t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mike Stobbe, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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