Jay Bhattacharya Named Acting CDC Director While Retaining NIH Role
Jay Bhattacharya, the current director of the National Institutes of Health, has been appointed to serve temporarily as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He will maintain his responsibilities at the NIH while overseeing the CDC until Donald Trump nominates a permanent leader for the agency, a role that requires Senate approval.
Bhattacharya replaces Jim O’Neill, who had been acting CDC director since the previous administration reshuffle. O’Neill’s leadership drew attention for his controversial positions on vaccination, global health partnerships, and internal communication practices.
Professional Background and Past Controversies
Before joining the federal government, Bhattacharya served as a health economist and faculty member at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is well-known for co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration, a document released during the COVID-19 pandemic proposing targeted protection for vulnerable populations while allowing the broader population to resume normal activities. The approach drew criticism from many in the scientific community and the World Health Organization for its potential public health risks.
At the NIH, Bhattacharya has faced internal challenges, including staff reductions and the termination of research grants. In response, hundreds of NIH employees signed the Bethesda Declaration, expressing concern over political influence affecting research and the direction of the agency.
Leadership During Federal Health Agency Changes
Bhattacharya’s appointment comes after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed Susan Monarez from the CDC director position following disputes over vaccine policy. Monarez served for less than a month before O’Neill assumed acting leadership.
As acting CDC director, Bhattacharya will manage day-to-day operations and provide stability during this transitional period until a permanent director is confirmed by the Senate.
Emphasis on Public Trust and Scientific Integrity
Bhattacharya has stressed the importance of rebuilding public confidence in federal health institutions. He has highlighted transparency, independence in research, and evidence-based policymaking as key elements in restoring credibility to health agencies.
Overseeing both the NIH and CDC places Bhattacharya in a unique position within the U.S. public health system. His dual role comes at a time when federal health agencies are under scrutiny regarding funding decisions, policy direction, and the balance between scientific guidance and political priorities.
