The White House has fired Dr. Susan Monarez, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after she refused to resign voluntarily. In an official statement, the administration declared Monarez was “not aligned with the president’s agenda,” confirming her termination late Wednesday.
Dr. Monarez, a veteran federal scientist, was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate in July 2025 following the withdrawal of Trump’s previous nominee, former congressman Dave Weldon, due to controversy over his vaccine views.
Her legal team issued a statement denying she had been informed of any dismissal prior to public reports, saying she was being ousted for refusing to endorse “unscientific, reckless directives” and for resisting pressure to dismiss CDC staff. They accused Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of politicizing public health efforts and retaliating against Monarez for standing firm on scientific integrity.
Following Monarez’s abrupt removal, a wave of resignations hit the CDC. At least three senior officials announced their departures. Among them was Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, who cited growing misinformation about vaccines and opposed planned budget cuts in a resignation letter obtained by CBS News. Daniel Jernigan, head of the CDC’s infectious disease center, stepped down, citing the “current context in the department.” Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who led the CDC’s immunization and respiratory disease efforts, also resigned, stating he could no longer serve amid the “ongoing weaponising of public health.”
Reports also indicate Dr. Jennifer Layden, director of the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology, has resigned.
The cascade of exits has raised alarms within the public health community. Critics argue that the recent changes under Secretary Kennedy, a vocal vaccine sceptic, are undermining the CDC’s independence and credibility. Experts warn that the agency’s ability to manage public health crises—particularly around immunisation programs—may be compromised if scientific guidance continues to be overridden by political agendas.
The CDC, a key pillar in the US public health infrastructure, now faces a leadership vacuum at a critical time. Observers are closely watching whether the agency can maintain its mission in the face of escalating political interference.
