The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plunged into chaos on Wednesday after the Trump administration announced the firing of its newly confirmed director, Susan Monarez, less than a month into her tenure. Monarez’s lawyers said she had not resigned and would not comply with demands to leave, claiming she was being punished for rejecting “unscientific, reckless directives.” The standoff has triggered a wave of high-level resignations and sparked alarm from public health experts who warn the agency is being dismantled for political gain.
Read: Illinois Governor Fires Back After Trump’s Weight Jibe Amid Chicago Troop Clash
Sudden Dismissal Announcement
The Department of Health and Human Services released a terse statement declaring Monarez “no longer director” of the CDC, thanking her for her service without providing any reason for the move. Hours later, the White House confirmed her termination, saying she was “not aligned with the President’s agenda.” Monarez’s attorneys pushed back, insisting she had received no formal notification and remained in her post.
Also read: ICE Arrests at Newington Car Wash Spark Outcry Over Immigrant Rights
Lawyers Denounce Political Targeting
Her legal team, Mark Zaid and Abbe David Lowell, accused officials of undermining science to advance politics. “When CDC Director Susan Monarez refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts, she chose protecting the public over serving a political agenda. For that, she has been targeted,” they said. Zaid later argued only the president himself could legally remove her, calling the firing unlawful.
Also read: Woman Begs Elon Musk to Remove Her Child Abuse Images From X
Kennedy’s Role And Vaccine Policies
Monarez appeared to clash with Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr after declining to endorse sweeping changes to U.S. vaccine policy. Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has revoked contracts worth $500 million for mRNA research and oversaw the FDA’s withdrawal of Covid-19 vaccine authorizations for most adults. The decision left vaccines available only for older Americans and those at medical risk, pending approval from an advisory panel now filled with vaccine opponents.
Also read: Florida Overtakes Texas in Death Sentences After New Controversial Law
Leadership Exodus At CDC
The turmoil sparked a wave of resignations from senior CDC officials. Dr Demetre Daskalakis, head of the immunization and respiratory diseases center, resigned with a letter denouncing “the ongoing weaponizing of public health.” Dr Deb Houry, the agency’s chief medical officer, warned science should “never be censored or subject to political pauses.” Other departures included Dr Daniel Jernigan and Dr Jen Layden, leaving critical leadership posts vacant at a time of crisis.
Also read: ICE Detains Kilmar Abrego ‘Again’ Amid Deportation Push
Alarming Reactions From Experts
Public health professionals voiced grave concern over the implosion. “What’s happening at the CDC should frighten every American,” said Dr Craig Spencer of Brown University. Dr Ashish Jha called it a “wholesale destruction of leadership,” blaming Kennedy’s management. Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm warned the loss of seasoned experts was a “serious loss for America,” leaving the country less prepared for future health threats.
Also read: Nigel Farage Unveils Reform UK Plan to Deport 600,000 Migrants in Five Years
Monarez’s Brief Tenure
Monarez, 50, became the first Senate-confirmed CDC director under a 2023 law. She was sworn in on July 31, making her the shortest-serving director in the agency’s 79-year history. Before joining the CDC, she was deputy director at ARPA-H, a health research agency. Despite her short time in office, colleagues described her as a strong advocate for staff, particularly after a gunman attacked the CDC campus earlier in August, killing a police officer and damaging several buildings.
Also read: ICE Agents Burnt Out Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, Officials Reveal
CDC Left Leaderless
The turmoil returns the CDC to a leaderless state, continuing months of instability. Trump’s first nominee, David Weldon, was withdrawn before his Senate hearing earlier this year due to his history of questioning vaccines. With Monarez’s ousting and senior staff departures, critics warn the agency is being hollowed out. “We lost exceptional leaders who have served over many decades and many administrations,” said former CDC director Mandy Cohen. “The weakening of the CDC leaves us less safe and more vulnerable as a country.”