In a move that signals a dramatic shift in American public health direction, Ralph Abraham, a noted critic of COVID-19 vaccines and supporter of the Trump administration's health agenda, has been appointed to one of the most influential positions at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A Controversial Appointment
The New York Times and Washington Post confirmed on Tuesday that Abraham will serve as principal deputy director of the federal health agency, effectively making him second-in-command. The 71-year-old former Louisiana congressman and physician will work under acting CDC director Jim O'Neill, giving him significant influence over a wide range of public health matters.
Abraham's appointment represents a major victory for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another prominent vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist who was recently confirmed as head of the Department of Health and Human Services. The move demonstrates the Trump administration's commitment to its "Make America Healthy Again" platform.
History of Vaccine Opposition
During his tenure as Louisiana's top health official, Abraham consistently voiced strong opposition to COVID-19 vaccination efforts. In a September social media post, he declared, "The COVID vaccines are dangerous," adding that he witnessed "the fallout in my clinic every day."
Earlier this year, shortly after Kennedy's confirmation as HHS chief, Abraham issued a memo to staff announcing that Louisiana's health department would cease promoting mass vaccination. He spoke of "rebuilding from the COVID missteps" in an official press release, indicating his alignment with the administration's revised approach to pandemic response.
Expanding Health Controversies
Abraham's skepticism extends beyond COVID-19 vaccines. He shares Kennedy's concerns about Tylenol use during pregnancy, recommending avoidance except "when absolutely necessary." The Trump appointee has praised what he calls the "leadership" and "common sense approach" of both Trump and Kennedy regarding Tylenol, claiming that "autism rates represent an existential threat to our nation."
Medical experts have widely condemned the administration's attempts to link Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism as "irresponsible," noting the lack of scientific evidence supporting such claims.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Abraham advocated for making ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug, widely available as a treatment. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that ivermectin is ineffective at shortening COVID-19 symptom duration or reducing hospitalization and death rates.
Immediate Policy Impacts
The consequences of this leadership change are already becoming apparent. Last week, Health Secretary Kennedy revealed he had personally intervened to modify language on the CDC's official website to suggest a connection between vaccines and autism, despite no credible scientific evidence supporting such a link.
This represents the latest indication that Kennedy's worldview is rapidly reshaping federal health policy. Abraham's appointment to the CDC's number two position ensures this controversial approach will now be implemented within one of the world's most influential public health institutions.
Abraham previously served three terms as a Louisiana congressman before retiring in 2020 following an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid. He maintained careers as both a physician and veterinarian before entering politics and was appointed as Louisiana's surgeon general in 2024.
