HHS announced that Susan Monarez, PhD, confirmed just four weeks ago as CDC director, is “no longer” in the role. The surprise move triggered multiple high-level resignations inside the agency — and an immediate legal fight, with Monarez’s lawyers insisting she remains the rightful director.
Key Takeaways
1. Sudden dismissal
Monarez was confirmed July 30 after being nominated by President Trump, in the first Senate-confirmed CDC director role. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued thanks on X, but Monarez’s attorneys say only the president can fire her — and that HHS acted outside the law.
2. Pushback and accusations
Monarez’s lawyers accuse Kennedy and HHS of “weaponizing public health for political gain.” Reports suggest she was pressured to fire CDC staffers — several of whom resigned after the announcement.
3. High-profile resignations
CDC leaders including Demetre Daskalakis, MD, MPH, and Debra Houry, MD, MPH, stepped down, citing irreconcilable differences with Kennedy’s policies. Daskalakis warned that recent vaccine recommendation changes “threaten the lives of the youngest Americans and pregnant people.”
4. Fallout from tragedy
The resignations came on the heels of a deadly shooting at the CDC campus, which staff and unions linked to a climate of hostility and vaccine disinformation. Employees described lockdowns and barricades during the attack.
5. Political firestorm
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) called for Kennedy’s removal, warning that hollowing out the CDC and replacing experts with “conspiracy theorists” would devastate U.S. health security.