Trump taps pastor Darrell Scott, a political ally, as CDC tobacco adviser
President Donald Trump appointed pastor Darrell Scott to a tobacco advisory position at the CDC, despite the pastor having no public-health background.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that pastor Darrell Scott, a personal friend and early supporter, will serve as an adviser on tobacco-related health matters at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trump praised Scott’s connection to overlooked communities and framed the appointment as delivering on a campaign pledge to safeguard Americans from harmful tobacco products. Scott says he first met Trump at Trump Tower in 2011, later introducing the candidate at rallies and co-founding the National Diversity Coalition for Trump alongside Michael Cohen.
After the 2016 election, Scott joined the presidential transition team and lauded Trump as “the most pro-Black president in my lifetime.” The selection has attracted criticism because Scott lacks any background in public health or tobacco policy, highlighting a pattern of loyalty-based hires within the administration.
Why it matters
The appointment raises concerns about expertise and political loyalty influencing public-health policy decisions.
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