The CDC is undergoing high-level turnover, with acting director roles shifting after Susan Monarez was dismissed amid reports of pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to preapprove vaccine recommendations.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been appointed acting CDC director, stepping into leadership as the agency navigates ongoing public health challenges and scrutiny.

Abraham’s sudden resignation as principal deputy director deepens leadership instability at the CDC, leaving the top two ranks vacant and prompting questions about succession.

Abraham, a longtime ally of Trump and Kennedy, has a record of vaccine-skeptical stance and past campaigns against COVID vaccination.

He had previously described the COVID-19 vaccine in skeptical terms, reflecting his broader stance on vaccination policy.

Abraham, a physician and former Louisiana surgeon general, had only recently joined the CDC as principal deputy director, sworn in after joining the agency in late 2024.

He was named principal deputy director in November and began his role in December, following service as Louisiana’s first surgeon general since mid-2024.

Abrams’s deputy role was filled in December and started early in January, with his background rooted in Louisiana health policy.

The CDC stated Abraham will remain in his role during the transition and praised his leadership in national preparedness and emergency response.

The agency highlighted Abraham’s contributions to strengthening preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

The departures tie into broader debates over public health policy and vaccine guidelines at both the federal and Louisiana levels.

Abraham defended a CDC advisory board’s decision to remove universal hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, framing it as enhancing patient autonomy.