Jay Bhattacharya's Interim Leadership of the CDC (Feb–Aug 2026)

NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya served as acting CDC Director from February 18, 2026 until Erica Schwartz’s confirmation on August 5, 2026, while continuing to lead NIH. According to Becker’s Hospital Review’s February 2026 coverage, he stepped in after the August 2025 ouster of CDC Director Susan Monarez, replacing deputy HHS secretary Jim O’Neill in the acting role.

Reuters reported on March 25, 2026 that Bhattacharya would “continue to oversee the CDC by performing the delegable duties of the CDC director” while the White House searched for a permanent head. A legal analysis noted that his formal acting authority lapsed around March 25, 2026 under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. His interim role ended when Erica Schwartz was nominated in April 2026 and confirmed as CDC Director on August 5, 2026.

Timeline

• February 18, 2026: Bhattacharya is named acting CDC Director while continuing as NIH Director, following Susan Monarez’s August 2025 ouster and replacing deputy HHS secretary Jim O’Neill in the acting role (Becker’s).
• March 25, 2026: Reuters reports he will “continue to oversee the CDC by performing the delegable duties of the CDC director”; a legal analysis notes his formal acting authority lapsed around this date under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
• April 2026: Erica Schwartz is nominated as CDC Director (Scientific American).
• August 5, 2026: Schwartz is confirmed, ending Bhattacharya’s interim CDC role.