White House Pulls Controversial CDC Nomination

The White House withdrew Dr. David Weldon's nomination to lead the CDC due to insufficient support in the Senate. Weldon faced criticism for his anti-vaccine stance and association with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a noted anti-vaccine activist. This marks the third Trump-era nominee to withdraw before a confirmation hearing.

The White House has retracted Dr. David Weldon's nomination to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Announced Thursday by the Senate health committee, the hearing for Weldon's potential leadership was canceled following the withdrawal.

According to a source familiar with the situation, the nomination was pulled as it became evident that Weldon lacked the necessary votes for confirmation. Weldon's nomination raised eyebrows due to his controversial views closely aligned with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a high-profile critic of vaccination campaigns.

Senator Patty Murray voiced her concerns, citing Weldon's repetition of debunked vaccine claims and questioning the safety of the CDC's tested vaccine schedules. This incident follows the pattern of other Trump administration nominees withdrawing prior to confirmation hearings.

(With inputs from agencies.)