Dr. Dave Weldon Appointed as New Leader of CDC #

Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Republican congressman, has been selected by President-elect Donald J. Trump to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Having been away from the political spotlight for over 15 years, Weldon currently operates a private medical practice in Malabar, Florida. Despite not being a prominent candidate for the role, Weldon’s past views sync up with those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice for health and human services secretary.

Weldon, aged 71, has previously suggested that genetics or other factors might cause autism in some children following measles vaccinations, despite extensive studies refuting this. While he declined to comment on these beliefs, he emphasized his overall support for vaccinations, noting that he prescribes thousands of doses to his patients and that his own children are fully immunized.

During his congressional tenure from 1995 to 2009, Weldon criticized CDC and FDA officials for perceived conflicts of interest that undermine public trust in vaccine safety. His selection aligns with Trump and Kennedy’s ambition to address corruption in public health agencies. Weldon also expressed concerns about potential environmental and dietary contributions to rising instances of behavioral and learning disorders in children.

Weldon is notably recognized for the Weldon Amendment, which prevents discrimination by health agencies against providers declining abortion services. As a legislator, he pushed to restrict specific abortion types and backed theories such as a disputed link between abortion and breast cancer. Weldon was also an influential figure in the Terri Schiavo case, opposing the withdrawal of her life support.

In Congress, Weldon advocated for abstinence as an effective STI prevention method but also supported bipartisan initiatives, including the $15 billion PEPFAR program to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. He co-sponsored a bill with Lynn Rivers to limit monopolies on gene-based diagnostic tests, aiming to lower costs.

His past controversial views on autism continue to concern public health experts. Known for his empathy towards families claiming vaccine-induced autism, Weldon remained skeptical of epidemiological findings disproving the link. A known supporter of moving vaccine safety assessments outside CDC control, he argued for an agency with enough resources to manage safety independently.

Weldon, who led the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries until 2020, prompted faith-based groups to establish an accreditation system amid regulatory scrutiny. Planning to stay with his daughter in Atlanta if confirmed, Weldon anticipates his new role as CDC director to begin soon.