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13h ago

White House Fires CDC Director Monarez, Exits Spur Oversight Push and Calls to Oust RFK Jr.

Senate scrutiny intensifies following senior CDC resignations tied to a vaccine panel shake-up.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) listens as U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer testifies before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policy, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 8, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File Photo/File Photo
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Debra Houry talks to workers and supporters as they rally for departing scientific leaders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outside the CDC headquarters, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)
U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends a press conference with Texas Governor Greg Abbott (not pictured) at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, U.S., August 28, 2025.

Overview

  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trump removed Susan Monarez, citing misalignment with the administration’s agenda and indicating a nomination announcement is forthcoming.
  • After Monarez’s ouster, CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry and immunization leader Demetre Daskalakis were among senior officials who resigned, warning of political interference and risks to health security.
  • HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has rolled back COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, canceled about $500 million in mRNA contracts, and replaced the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee with his own appointees.
  • Sen. Bill Cassidy called for Senate oversight of the CDC shakeup and urged indefinite postponement of the reconstituted vaccine panel’s Sept. 18 meeting, while critics fault him for supporting Kennedy’s confirmation.
  • Democratic leaders including Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Sen. Chuck Schumer publicly demanded Kennedy’s removal, as the White House defended its actions as restoring CDC credibility.