Overview

• The letter from current and former HHS staff cites the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and claims the secretary has installed political ideologues who undermine scientific guidance.
• The group, calling itself Save HHS, says Kennedy's actions endanger Americans by spreading inaccurate health information and asks Congress and the president to name a new secretary if he refuses to step down.
• HHS responded by accusing the signers of politicizing an Aug. 8 attack at CDC headquarters in Atlanta that left a police officer dead.
• White House officials defended Monarez’s removal as within presidential authority and said President Trump and Kennedy seek to restore trust and accountability at the CDC.
• The push follows senior CDC resignations, a staff walkout in Atlanta, and heightened concern after the FDA limited eligibility for updated Covid-19 shots, with critics including Sen. Bernie Sanders and several former CDC leaders calling for Kennedy’s ouster.