Overview

• White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Monarez was terminated after she refused to resign, following HHS’ notice that she was no longer CDC director.
• Attorneys Abbe Lowell and Mark Zaid said Monarez has not resigned, was not properly notified of a firing, and is contesting the ouster.
• Top CDC leaders Debra Houry, Demetre Daskalakis, Daniel Jernigan, and Jen Layden submitted resignations minutes to hours after the announcement.
• HHS under Kennedy has overhauled the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, moved to terminate mRNA respiratory vaccine contracts, and the FDA narrowed COVID-19 shot eligibility to older adults and higher‑risk groups.
• Monarez was confirmed by the Senate on July 29 and sworn in on July 31, serving under a month; initial statements did not name an acting CDC leader.