Dr. Sara Brenner, a physician and former acting FDA commissioner, joins Trump’s CDC leadership team as senior counselor for public health. A self-described “MAHA mom”, she questions reflexive trust in vaccines, echoing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s skepticism. Her appointment raises concerns about continued tension at the agency, where Kennedy seeks to reshape childhood immunization policies.

Brenner’s background includes co-writing a memo doubting COVID vaccine benefits for children under 18 and intervening in the FDA’s review of Novavax’s shot. Former colleagues describe her as ambitious, prioritizing administration alignment over staff welfare. She joined the FDA in 2019, rose to acting commissioner in 2025, and embraced the MAHA movement during layoffs, promoting fitness via viral social media videos.

As Kennedy’s liaison, Brenner will meet daily with CDC officials and influence NIH collaborations. Public health experts worry her role could enable political interference, though some hope for constructive dialogue. Her lack of prior CDC experience and alignment with anti-vaccine rhetoric contrast with Dr. Schwartz, Trump’s CDC director nominee, who supports vaccines.

The move highlights Trump’s strategy to staff health agencies with figures sympathetic to his agenda. Brenner’s influence on public health policies remains uncertain, but her ties to Kennedy and MAHA suggest potential shifts in vaccine mandates and research funding. Critics argue this undermines science-based decision-making at critical agencies.