Transcript: Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026

The transcript of a July 5, 2026 interview on Face the Nation focuses on Debra Houry, the former CDC chief medical officer, and how she handled the agency’s transition after President Trump took office. Houry said she was “cautiously optimistic” after earlier Trump-era public health efforts, but she voiced concern about potential conflicts of interest, scientific integrity issues, and political interference. She also explained why she saved emails, calling it prudent documentation because her position meant her messages are retained under Freedom of Information Act. Houry said she briefly served as acting CDC director for the first days after a transition memo and operating plan. The discussion centers on document requests from a Senate committee overseeing health agencies and the creation of an audit trail for decision-making.