Overview

• HHS first posted that Susan Monarez was no longer CDC director as her attorneys said she had neither resigned nor been notified of dismissal, before the White House confirmed President Trump fired her.
• Senior CDC leaders Debra Houry, Daniel Jernigan and Demetre Daskalakis resigned, citing politicization, planned cuts and limits on scientific communication.
• HHS named Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill as interim CDC director while Monarez contests her removal.
• The administration tightened COVID‑19 vaccine policy, with FDA rescinding emergency use authorizations and limiting updated shots to high‑risk patients, prompting warnings from public‑health experts.
• Senate HELP Chair Bill Cassidy indicated the departures and policy shifts will get oversight as key CDC programs face leadership gaps.