Libertarian Insider Appointed as Trump’s New CDC Chief

On Aug 29, 2025

Trump’s Pick for CDC Director: Jim O’Neill

Jim O’Neill, a former investor and critic of health regulations, has been selected by President Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This decision follows a turbulent week in which the agency’s previous director was compelled to step down.

O’Neill, previously the deputy of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will replace Susan Monarez, a government scientist who had only spent a month as the CDC director. O’Neill is about to take charge of an agency that has faced significant internal troubles, including staffing disruptions and attempts by Kennedy to change national vaccine policies.

O’Neill’s Background and New Role

Known for his work with billionaire tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, O’Neill has been involved in several of Thiel’s ventures. However, despite his impressive resume, O’Neill does not have a healthcare or medicine background; his academic qualifications are in humanities.

An HHS spokesperson announced that while O’Neill continues in his deputy role, no further details about his new position at the CDC were available.

Inside Washington: O’Neill’s Experience and Expectations

Compared to other top-ranking health officials appointed by Trump, O’Neill has generally kept a lower profile. His experience in the Health and Human Services (HHS) from his time under President George W. Bush, however, sets him apart. Those familiar with O’Neill anticipate he might be tasked with stabilizing the situation at the CDC, although his autonomy from Kennedy remains uncertain.

O’Neill and Regulation Reforms

Having been connected to the libertarian arm of the Republican Party, O’Neill is known for his critical views of federal bureaucracy, arguing that it obstructs progress in medicine and technology. During Trump’s first term, his controversial remarks about the FDA raised concerns among pharmaceutical and medical technology executives.

O’Neill’s Stance on Vaccination

After his nomination to HHS, O’Neill expressed his support for the federal government’s traditional system for overseeing vaccines, including the CDC’s role, while refraining from criticizing Kennedy’s views on vaccines.

The Role of Acting CDC Director

O’Neill could soon be faced with making significant vaccine-related decisions based on recommendations from a CDC panel that Kennedy has filled with vaccine skeptics. Federal law limits O’Neill’s term as acting director to a maximum of 210 days, after which he must either step down or be formally nominated for the position.

O’Neill’s Dual Roles at CDC and HHS

O’Neill’s responsibilities at both the CDC and HHS require a considerable time commitment and would be extremely challenging to manage simultaneously, according to Dr. Anne Schuchat, a former acting CDC director.

The past week saw the departure of four veteran CDC center directors, a development that could potentially complicate matters for O’Neill as he assumes his new role.

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