Weldon Blames Senators, Big Pharma for CDC Director Nomination Withdrawal

David Weldon, President Trump's withdrawn nominee for CDC director, has publicly blamed Republican Senators Susan Collins and Bill Cassidy, along with the pharmaceutical industry, for the sudden withdrawal of his nomination just hours before his scheduled confirmation hearing. In a detailed statement, Weldon described a hostile meeting with Collins' staff, where he was accused of being 'anti-vax,' despite his extensive experience administering vaccines. He suggested that both senators capitulated to pressure from 'Big Pharma,' fearing his credibility and knowledge in medicine more than that of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Weldon's nomination was pulled after it became clear he lacked sufficient votes to pass out of committee, which he attributes to Collins and Cassidy's opposition. Cassidy, while surprised by the withdrawal, did not comment further, and Weldon expressed disappointment at the perceived betrayal from someone he considered a friend. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the political landscape surrounding vaccine discussions and public health leadership.