Experts warn NIH director now leading CDC will push ‘RFK Jr’s agenda’

The Guardian World

by Melody Schreiber

February 19, 2026

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Experts warn that Jay Bhattacharya, the acting director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has been appointed as the new acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks his fourth leadership role at a federal health agency in just one year, raising concerns about the consolidation of power among a small group of leaders. Bhattacharya’s appointment comes amid ongoing challenges for the CDC, which has faced frequent leadership changes and criticism over its handling of public health crises. Bhattacharya is known as a close ally of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine critic and former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services official. Observers are concerned that his appointment could lead to further changes in the CDC’s vaccine schedule, potentially aligning agency policies with RFK Jr.’s long-standing anti-vaccine stance. This move has sparked criticism from public health experts, who argue that Bhattacharya’s history as an “ineffective” leader and his ties to RFK Jr. may undermine the CDC’s credibility and ability to address pressing public health issues. The rapid turnover in leadership at the CDC has left many questioning its stability and direction. With Bhattacharya now holding dual roles at NIH and CDC, critics worry that his divided attention will further complicate efforts to respond to ongoing health challenges. This unprecedented consolidation of power raises concerns about transparency and decision-making processes within U.S. health agencies. This situation matters because the CDC plays a critical role in shaping public health policies and responding to disease outbreaks. Any perceived influence from figures like RFK Jr., who have historically clashed with scientific consensus on vaccines

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/19/2026