Trump Taps Christian Pastor for Role with CDC

President Donald Trump is putting a pastor at the table at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and he’s making it clear that reaching America’s overlooked communities is part of the mission.

Pastor Darrell Scott, a longtime Trump ally and outspoken Christian leader, has been tapped to advise the administration on tobacco-related health issues, bringing a distinctly unconventional voice into the federal public health arena.

According to NewsNation, Trump announced Tuesday that Scott will help to provide recommendations and guidance to CDC leadership.

For Trump, however, Scott’s qualifications appear to go beyond Washington credentials and government résumés. He pointed instead to the pastor’s years of ministry, leadership and connection with communities that have too often fallen through the cracks.

To order Don Colbert’s new book, Live Long and Strong, visit .

“I am pleased to announce that Pastor Darrell Scott, a longtime friend, respected Faith Leader, and tireless Advocate for America’s Underserved Communities, will be serving my Administration and me as an Advisor for tobacco health issues,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

And the president didn’t downplay the assignment’s seriousness.

“For far too long, tobacco-related disease has taken an enormous toll on American Families, including Communities that have too often been overlooked and underserved,” Trump wrote.

“Pastor Scott understands these Communities, and the challenges they face, and he knows how to bring people together to get RESULTS,” Trump further wrote.

Trump said the appointment fulfills a campaign promise and indicated that Scott’s work will support efforts to protect Americans from dangerous tobacco products, reduce harm and ultimately save lives.

The Ohio pastor, who founded New Spirit Revival Center with his wife, Belinda, has been one of Trump’s most recognizable evangelical allies for years. He supported Trump during his first run for the White House and served on his presidential transition team following the 2016 election.

“Pastor Darrell Scott has been with us from the very beginning,” Trump wrote. “He is a GREAT LEADER with a tremendous heart for the people of our Country.”

Trump ended his announcement with a declaration that put a health-focused spin on his signature political slogan: “MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AND SAFE AGAIN!”

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact media@.