GOP Senator Susan Collins expressed concerns on Thursday regarding the departure of CDC Director Susan Monares, noting that it appeared politically motivated under the Trump administration.
Monares was initially asked to resign but ultimately decided to stay until the White House formally informed her of her removal.
Officials from various senior institutions spoke out against her ousting, with four of them resigning in solidarity.
Collins stated her unease about the firing, speaking to reporters after an event with the Maine Sheriff’s Association. “I know her. I’ve met her several times and talked to her on the phone. There is no basis for her being fired,” she remarked.
Her comments coincided with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for a bipartisan investigation into the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of the CDC director.
Former HHS Director Xavier Becerra warned that the leadership change could lead to an increase in infection-related deaths. He mentioned working alongside key CDC scientists who resigned that day, emphasizing their role in navigating the pandemic. “Politicians aren’t doing well with science. Putting politics over public health is dangerous. People will die,” he stated.
Following Monares’ removal, her attorneys issued a statement claiming she was targeted for prioritizing public safety over political agendas. They described her as “an honest person dedicated to science.”
Despite the backlash, current Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. indicated that the administration would continue to align the agency’s efforts with Trump’s policies. “We will need to remove some people over the long term,” he remarked.
The Hill reached out to Collins’ office for further comments.
