New CDC director Mandy Cohen wants the agency to build trust with Americans

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Mandy Cohen, who recently stepped into the role, has acknowledged that the agency lost some of the public's trust in the past few years. But she has indicated that she intends to "refocus" the agency "on building that trust."

In an interview with NBC News' Erika Edwards, Cohen said that during her first all-hands meeting with the agency, "the first thing we talked about was trust."

"For us to be strong as a nation we need to make sure that we trust each other," she said, adding that the issue concerns "public health, but it's about so much more than that." She said that life expectancy in the country is decreasing.

New CDC director discusses handling distrust in agencywww.youtube.com

Back in 2020, Cohen posted a photo of herself wearing a face mask plastered with a photo of Dr. Anthony Fauci's face.

"Did you know it’s #WorldMaskWeek? Face coverings are one of our strongest tools to slow the spread of #COVID19 in our communities... and like my Dr. Fauci mask, they can be fun too! Join me in masking up this week & beyond – every time you leave the house," Cohen wrote when sharing the photo.

President Joe Biden tapped Cohen to serve in the CDC director role that had previously been filled by Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

"Dr. Cohen is one of the nation’s top physicians and health leaders with experience leading large and complex organizations, and a proven track-record protecting Americans’ health and safety," the president said in a statement.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!