CDC Director Susan Monarez Refuses to Step Down Amid Allegations of Targeted Removal
CuriosityNews reports on the latest developments in U.S. politics.
The nation’s leading public health agency faced turmoil after the administration moved to replace its director, Susan Monarez, who had been in the role for less than a month. Monarez’s legal team stated she would not resign, claiming she was singled out due to her commitment to scientific integrity.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Monarez’s removal without providing a reason. “Susan Monarez is no longer director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We appreciate her service to the American people,” read an unsigned statement posted online. Her lawyers contested the decision, clarifying she had “neither resigned nor been informed” by the White House of any termination.
Reports from major news outlets suggest Monarez fell out of favor with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after opposing broad changes to U.S. vaccine policies, shortly after her Senate confirmation last month.
Her attorneys, Mark Zaid and Abbe David Lowell, argued that the administration was politicizing public health, stating, “First, independent advisors and experienced scientists were sidelined. Now, Secretary Kennedy and HHS are prioritizing political interests over public safety. Director Monarez refused to endorse unfounded directives or dismiss committed experts—choosing public welfare over political motives. For this, she has been singled out.”
Democratic Senator Patty Murray, a member of the Senate health committee, demanded Kennedy’s removal, calling him “dangerous” for promoting baseless theories and abusing his authority. “If reasonable voices remain in the White House, they must act now and dismiss him,” she said.
Former CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, who served under President Biden, expressed concern: “We are losing seasoned leaders, weakening our national preparedness. This erosion of expertise endangers public safety.”
Monarez’s removal has triggered resignations within the agency, including at least three high-ranking officials. Among them was Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former head of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. In a resignation letter obtained by a health industry publication, he cited the misuse of public health as his reason for leaving.
Read next
"Liz Truss supports Trump’s Fed critiques, predicts central banks face backlash"
Liz Truss Supports Criticism of Central Bank Independence, Echoing Trump’s Stanc
Liz Truss, the shortest-serving British prime minister, has expressed support for Donald Trump’s criticism of the US Federal Reserve’s independence. Truss, who was forced out of office following turmoil in financial markets, suggested that major central
"UK and EU call in Russian diplomats over Kyiv embassy attacks"
The UK and European Union have called in their Russian representatives after overnight missile strikes on Kyiv resulted in at least 18 deaths and damaged facilities associated with British and European operations in the city.
Among the victims were four children after a residential building in the Darnytskyi district was
"Keir Starmer appoints new No 10 aide amid further reshuffles"
Keir Starmer has initiated changes within No 10, including reassigning an aide whose appointment had been contentious following Sue Gray’s exit last year.
Nin Pandit, the prime minister’s senior civil service aide, will depart her position after fewer than 10 months. Insiders at No 10 clarified she had