Overview
- Susan Monarez’s firing was confirmed by the White House, which said she was not aligned with the president’s agenda, while she denied resigning or receiving proper notice and accused leadership of seeking non‑scientific directives.
- Her attorneys argue the dismissal is invalid without a notice from President Trump himself; the administration rejects that view and says a successor will be named soon.
- Senior CDC leaders resigned in protest — including Demetre Daskalakis and Debra Houry — as employees rallied in Atlanta and hundreds of current and former staff signed a letter accusing RFK Jr. of endangering personnel by spreading false information.
- Since taking office, RFK Jr. has overhauled vaccine policy by dismissing expert panels, restricting access to COVID-19 shots, and advancing cuts and layoffs that critics say erode the agency’s scientific role.
- The leadership crisis follows an armed attack on the CDC’s Atlanta campus earlier this month that killed a police officer, and senators plan to press Kennedy on health policy at an upcoming hearing.