Photo courtesy of the CDC Susan Monarez, the acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), advises Congress. This follows very mixed messages from the White House about her status as an employee. Monarez’s legal team argues that none but President Donald Trump himself has the power to fire her. This announcement comes at a particularly chaotic moment for the agency. Monarez is the third high-ranking health official to resign since the White House declared Monarez was “no longer” a member of its staff.
Monarez assumed office on July 31 after being nominated by Trump. The Senate first confirmed this nomination as a part of must-pass pandemic-related legislation that included Senate confirmation for all CDC nominees. Ever since her public testimony during her confirmation hearing, that was the scene before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on June 25, 2025. Monarez, a longtime federal government scientist, often butted heads with then-Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. They’re sharp, and they have deep differences on vaccine policy. Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic, has set his sights on targeting the CDC. He rebukes the agency for its handling of social distancing guidelines and masking requirements throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The circumstances became fraught when Monarez allegedly did not agree to step down, prompting further accusations from the White House that she was fired. Mark Zaid, Monarez’s attorney, said the White House notice of her termination is “legally deficient” on several levels. He emphasized that Monarez “refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts,” indicating her commitment to public health over political agendas.
“For this reason, we reject notification Dr. Monarez has received as legally deficient and she remains as CDC Director.” – Mark Zaid
In a related development, at least four other top health officials left the CDC shortly after the announcement concerning Monarez’s status. Whether this wave of resignations serves to enrich or entrench the agency remains to be seen. It’s a make or break moment for public health and we need leadership from CDC.
Kennedy has openly expressed his concerns regarding the CDC’s effectiveness, stating, “is in trouble, and we need to fix it, and we are fixing it.” He has indicated that some staff are no longer fit for their jobs in light of the agency’s perceived failures. He underscored the importance of “strong leadership” to pursue Trump’s ambitious agenda for the CDC.
“If there’s really a deeply, deeply embedded … malaise at the agency, and we need strong leadership that will go in there and that will be able to execute on President Trump’s broad ambitions for this agency.” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy’s remarks reflect his vision for transforming the CDC into what he describes as “the most respected health agency in the world.” This vision is already doomed without the rancor of continued leadership and policy direction.