Several Officials Reportedly Resigned from the CDC

Recent reports indicate that key figures at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stepped down from their positions. This follows panelists Tom Bevan, Josh Kraushal, and Yemisi Egbewore resigning partly due to the way the Trump Administration is handling public health issues.

Meanwhile, Susan Monares, a long-serving government scientist, has declined to resign from her role as CDC director despite recent pressures from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). She was appointed just a month ago, and her attorneys have stated that she “has not been fired yet.”

In a public statement, the lawyers emphasized that HHS and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are allegedly using public health for political agendas, potentially endangering millions of Americans. They defended Monares, noting that her decision to prioritize public health over political interests led to her being targeted. She has maintained that she would not resign from her position, holding onto the principles of integrity and science.

It’s noteworthy that approximately 600 CDC employees have ended their tenure following a court ruling regarding certain Trump Administration policies.

An anonymous source within the CDC reported that HHS officials, including Kennedy, had urged Monares to revoke approval for a specific COVID-19 vaccine. After she hesitated to comply, she was informed that she might either resign or face termination.

Additionally, sources suggested that Monares attempted to involve Senator Bill Cassidy in the matter, which, as reported, intensified Kennedy’s frustration. When inquiring for comments, HHS referred to a statement shared with Fox News Digital, asserting that “Susan Monales is no longer the director of the CDC,” and thanked her for her service. They expressed total confidence in their team at the agency.

The White House has not responded to inquiries about the situation. Monares was nominated by the Trump administration after the initial candidate withdrew in March. She was officially confirmed in late July.

During her confirmation, she conveyed her support for vaccines, stating she saw no connection between vaccines and autism. Historically, CDC directors did not require Senate approval until a law change in 2022; Monares thus became the first confirmed director in CDC history.

Interestingly, she also marked a notable shift, as this was her first time in over 70 years that the CDC director had not completed a medical degree, despite holding a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology. Her career includes significant roles in various federal agencies, focusing on initiatives to enhance the country’s biomedical capabilities and public health preparedness.

Shortly after Monares’ appointment, at least three additional high-ranking CDC officials reportedly resigned. Their letters indicated dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s strategies regarding vaccines and budget cuts.