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
Badenoch returns to Conservative conference, markedly stronger than a year ago
A year ago, Tory MPs feared a fresh leadership revolt against Kemi Badenoch as Tories hit historic 14-16% support; November, after 12 months, was hushed: decisive challenge month. Yet, despite poor polls, “Keminisation” saw her impose style and authority.
More in Common’s Luke Tryl, director, said Badenoch holds
UK sanctions plan on illegal Israeli settlements faces criticism from US, Israel and British MPs
Today, with the agreement of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israeli officials announced a series of countermeasures in response to new sanctions declared by the British foreign secretary of the Labour government, following a sequence of anti-Israel decisions by the same administration.
The accusations leveled today by the Labour foreign secretary,
UK announces trade ban on Israeli settlements as tougher stance
Ed Miliband will announce a broad reset of the UK’s relations with Israel on Tuesday, pledging a more active stance in support of the Palestinian cause. In an intervention drawing fierce criticism from the US and Israel, the foreign secretary will impose a ban on trade in goods and