The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Monday the immediate resignation of Dr. Ralph Abraham, its principal deputy director. This departure marks another shift in leadership at the federal health agency, signaling a clear move away from the agenda previously pursued under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his appointees.
Vaccine Skepticism and Policy Reversals
Dr. Abraham’s tenure was marked by skepticism towards widespread vaccination efforts. Previously, as Louisiana’s surgeon general, he directed the state health department to halt vaccine promotion, deeming Covid vaccines “dangerous.” In his role at the CDC, he downplayed the severity of recent measles outbreaks, framing the potential loss of the U.S.’s measles elimination status as an acceptable consequence.
This stance contributed to a series of policy reversals under Kennedy’s leadership, including rescinded recommendations for multiple childhood vaccines. These actions prompted lawsuits from medical organizations and a distancing from the CDC by key stakeholders. For example, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) withdrew its participation as a liaison to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, while the American Academy of Pediatrics has boycotted the committee’s meetings since last summer.
Leadership Instability
Dr. Abraham’s resignation follows less than three months in the position. The CDC statement attributes his departure to “unforeseen family obligations.” This follows last week’s appointment of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, to also serve as acting director of the CDC.
Public health experts question the feasibility of Bhattacharya effectively leading two large agencies simultaneously. However, he has expressed more support for vaccines, calling the measles vaccine the “best way to address the measles epidemic in this country” during a recent Senate hearing.
The CDC has experienced significant leadership instability since President Trump took office last year. The White House withdrew its nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon before his Senate confirmation, later successfully nominating Susan Monarez, who was then ousted less than a month into the job. Jim O’Neill, previously the agency’s deputy director, left the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week for a role at the National Science Foundation.
Shift in Tone?
Unlike some predecessors, Dr. Abraham was known for actively engaging with CDC staff, calling them “family.” In his statement, he expressed honor in serving alongside public health professionals and supporting the agency’s mission.
This series of departures and appointments underscores a deliberate reshaping of the CDC’s direction. The administration appears intent on reestablishing trust with medical organizations while reversing the anti-vaccine policies implemented under Kennedy. The frequent turnover raises questions about long-term stability, but signals a clear break from the previous administration’s approach to public health.
