November 25, 2025
Abraham's appointment to CDC's second-highest role follows website changes promoting debunked vaccine-autism claims
Dr. Ralph Abraham was named CDC deputy administrator on Nov. 25, 2025. Abraham is Louisiana's first surgeon general, appointed in 2024. He publicly praised RFK Jr.'s vaccine skepticism before Kennedy became HHS Secretary. Abraham served as Republican congressman from Louisiana (2015-2021) and campaigned with Trump in 2019.
Abraham's appointment follows CDC's Nov. 19 website change promoting debunked vaccine-autism links. His medical background is emergency medicine. Public statements show he questioned COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy. The appointment places a vaccine skeptic in CDC's second-highest position under RFK Jr., who personally ordered the autism website changes.
As congressman, Abraham voted against the Affordable Care Act and co-sponsored bills to defund Planned Parenthood. He opposed mask mandates during the pandemic. Abraham left Congress in 2021 and worked in private medical practice before Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry appointed him surgeon general in 2024.
What did Abraham publicly call COVID vaccines?
What did Abraham say about RFK Jr.'s tenure as HHS Secretary?
What position did Dr. Ralph Abraham hold before being named CDC deputy director?
What did Abraham say about COVID vaccines in September 2025?
What did Abraham ban at Louisiana's health department in February 2025?
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Start QuizCDC Deputy Administrator, Louisiana Surgeon General
Secretary of Health and Human Services
civic action
Demand Senate HELP Committee hearing on CDC leadership appointments
Committee has oversight of HHS appointments and can investigate qualifications
Phone Call Script: Senate HELP Committee - CDC Leadership Appointment Oversight
Opening: Hi, I'm calling as a constituent to request that the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hold a hearing on Dr. Ralph Abraham's appointment as CDC deputy administrator.
Key points to mention:
Impact explanation: The CDC is a critical public health agency that millions of Americans rely on for accurate health information. Appointing someone who has publicly questioned vaccine safety and praised vaccine skeptics raises serious concerns about the agency's credibility and the public's trust in its guidance.
Questions to ask:
Specific request: I'm asking the Senate HELP Committee to conduct oversight hearings on Dr. Abraham's appointment as CDC deputy administrator, examine his qualifications and public statements, and ensure the CDC maintains its scientific integrity and public trust.
Contact: Senate HELP Committee: 202-224-5375 Website: help.senate.gov
Thank you for your time.