Trump-appointed CDC deputy director Jennifer Shuford resigns after six months

Dr. Jennifer Shuford, the deputy director and chief medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is resigning after just six months in the role. Appointed by President Donald Trump in April as part of a four-person senior leadership team, Shuford announced her departure in an agency email obtained by The Guardian, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. Her exit is expected to occur after the midterm elections. Shuford’s resignation adds to the turnover in the CDC’s top ranks during the Trump administration, which has seen multiple leadership changes at the public health agency. The CDC plays a critical role in responding to health threats, including infectious disease outbreaks, and the loss of a key medical officer could affect ongoing initiatives. With the midterms approaching and the agency navigating public health challenges, her departure raises questions about continuity and morale at the CDC. The agency has not yet named a successor.