Overview

• Testifying Thursday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended firing CDC director Susan Monarez and cutting staff, arguing the agency needs “new, competent, creative” leadership after what he called disastrous pandemic management.
• Monarez’s lawyers say she was pushed out for refusing to approve “non‑scientific and dangerous” directives; Kennedy disputed that, saying he asked her to resign after she answered “no” when asked if she was trustworthy.
• More than 1,000 current and former HHS employees urged Kennedy to resign in an open letter alleging his actions put the public at risk.
• Democratic senators accused him of lying under oath about following science and preserving vaccine access; he denied restricting vaccines as some Republicans pressed him and others, including Vice President JD Vance, offered support.
• President Trump reaffirmed backing for Kennedy as medical experts warn the overhaul could weaken vaccination and outbreak response, with recent steps including curtailed COVID‑19 shot access such as the FDA’s late‑August limit for people under 65.