The White House has announced the firing of Dr. Susan Monarez, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after she refused to resign. The administration stated that she was 'not aligned with the president's agenda,' resulting in her removal from the health agency.
Monarez’s dismissal sparked indignation from her legal representatives, who claimed she was targeted for her refusal to endorse 'unscientific, reckless directives' and for resisting pressure to terminate dedicated health experts within the agency. They accused Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of 'weaponizing public health.'
As a long-time federal government scientist, Monarez had been confirmed by the Senate to lead the CDC just months earlier. Her nomination followed the controversial withdrawal of former Congressman Dave Weldon, who faced significant backlash for his stances on vaccines.
Following Monarez’s departure, a wave of resignations swept through the CDC, including Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry and other senior officials, citing organizational turmoil as the reason for their exits.
Health experts have voiced concerns regarding the agency's approach to immunizations, especially under the leadership of Secretary Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism.
On the same day as Monarez's firing, the FDA approved new COVID vaccines with strict limitations on who could receive them, indicating a significant shift in public health policy.
