CDC Director Fired Amid Controversy
On Wednesday, the White House announced that Susan Monares has been dismissed from her role as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated, “Susan Monares does not align with the president’s goal of improving public health, which is evident from her lawyer’s comments.” He elaborated that Monares had not stepped down despite warnings from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), leading to her removal.
The HHS later confirmed on a social media platform that “Susan Monares is no longer the director of the CDC.” This announcement followed a flurry of activity surrounding her departure.
Notable Washington attorneys Abbe Lowell and Mark Zaid released a statement on behalf of Monares shortly after her firing. They claimed, “Monares faced backlash for refusing to follow politically motivated directives. She prioritized public safety over political gain.” They also mentioned that she would not resign voluntarily, emphasizing her commitment to science.
According to a report from The New York Times, tensions regarding vaccine policy had escalated, with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggesting that Monares either resign or be dismissed. The CDC director is appointed and confirmed by the Senate, and removal is solely a privilege of the White House.
During her confirmation hearing, Monares asserted that “vaccines save lives” and dismissed any claims linking vaccines to autism. However, her position became tenuous following her predecessor’s lack of support.
Shortly after Monares’s termination, four CDC officials, including Deb Houry, the Chief Medical Officer, announced their resignations. Other resignations came from Dan Jernigan, who leads the CDC’s Infectious Disease Center, and Jennifer Leiden, the Director of Public Health Data.
On the same day, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new Covid-19 vaccine for high-risk individuals, while also revoking emergency use permits related to the vaccine. This change was reportedly influenced by Kennedy’s efforts to end the vaccine mandate.
