In a surprising twist, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Susan Monarez, was reportedly terminated on Wednesday due to her refusal to comply with controversial changes to COVID-19 vaccine policies, as noted by the Washington Post. Her attorney, Mark Zaid, has stated that she has yet to receive official notice of her firing, adding to the unpredictability surrounding the CDC’s current leadership.
According to Zaid, Monarez chose to prioritize public health over what he described as “unscientific” directives pressed by lawmakers. He emphasized her dedication to science and integrity, noting, “Dr. Monarez has neither resigned nor received notification from the White House that she has been fired.”
Monarez had only been confirmed by the U.S. Senate four weeks prior to this incident. Following the reports of her ouster—whether legitimate or a fabrication of the Trump administration—several prominent officials within the CDC, including the Chief Medical Officer, announced their resignations.
For several days, Monarez faced mounting pressure from Trump administration lawyers and Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to retract approvals for certain COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy reportedly questioned her alignment with their agenda, to which it seems the answer was a resounding no.
When Kennedy urged Monarez to resign, she sought support from Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and a Republican who has faced criticism for his lack of resistance against anti-science policies within the Trump administration.
During her confirmation hearing, Monarez stated that she found no evidence linking vaccines to autism, a claim that directly conflicts with Kennedy’s views and the broader agenda of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Kennedy has hinted at revealing the “cause” of autism, a claim that many consider a flagrant disregard for scientific integrity.
The X account for the Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that Monarez is “no longer director” of the CDC, thanking her for her “dedicated service,” but failing to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding her departure.
Susan Monarez is no longer director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We thank her for her dedicated service to the American people. @SecKennedy has full confidence in his team at @CDCgov who will continue to be vigilant in protecting Americans against infectious…
— HHS.gov (@HHSGov) August 27, 2025
In the wake of Monarez’s alleged firing, several key figures at the CDC, including Debra Houry, the Chief Medical Officer, announced their resignations. In a memo to staff, Houry expressed her commitment to public health but noted that ongoing personnel changes made her role untenable. She argued that science must remain free from political biases, stating, “Vaccines save lives—this is an indisputable, well-established scientific fact.”
Houry also referenced a tragic event where a shooter targeted the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, which was reportedly motivated by opposition to the COVID-19 vaccine. This incident underscores the mounting tensions surrounding public health decisions.
Jennifer Layden, director of the CDC’s Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology, also stepped down, having joined the agency during the pandemic’s height. Similarly, Demetre Daskalakis, a leader in immunization and respiratory diseases, resigned, citing the ongoing misuse of public health as a reason.
Daniel Jernigan, director of the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, also departed from the agency, marking a significant period of instability as the U.S. faces health crises like the confirmation of a flesh-eating parasite case.
Interestingly, Monarez was not Trump’s initial choice for CDC leadership, as the president had sought to appoint congressman Dave Weldon, known for his anti-vaccine stance. Weldon’s nomination was retracted earlier this year.
There have been suggestions that Kennedy plans to remove COVID-19 vaccines from the market soon, although the practicality of such a move remains uncertain. Kennedy has already announced that the FDA has revoked the vaccines’ emergency use authorization and implemented restrictions that would limit access significantly.
Amid these developments, many are referring to this period as “Bloody Wednesday,” reflecting the tumultuous state of public health leadership and policy in the U.S.
Has Susan Monarez been officially fired from her position?
While reports indicate she has been ousted, her attorney claims she hasn’t received official notification, creating confusion around her status.
What triggered the resignations of several CDC officials?
The resignations appear to be linked to the political pressures surrounding vaccine policies, particularly after Monarez’s alleged firing.
Why was Susan Monarez appointed as CDC director?
Monarez was chosen for her commitment to science and public health, evident during her confirmation hearing earlier this year.
How does the CDC’s leadership change affect public health policy?
The sudden leadership shifts could lead to significant changes in vaccine policy and public health directives, amidst rising concerns over misinformation and political influence.
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