White House Withdraws CDC Nomination of Dave Weldon Before Hearing

The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Dr. David Weldon to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just hours before his scheduled Senate confirmation hearing. This decision was influenced by concerns over Weldon's controversial anti-vaccine views, which align closely with those of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Critics, including Senator Patty Murray, expressed alarm over his past assertions linking vaccines to autism and other health issues, highlighting the potential dangers of appointing someone with such beliefs to oversee public health recommendations. Despite initial support for his nomination at the committee level, it became apparent that Weldon lacked the necessary votes for full Senate confirmation. The withdrawal reflects ongoing tensions within the Trump administration regarding vaccine safety and public health policy.