Jim O’Neill Set to Become Acting CDC Director

Jim O’Neill, the current Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, is anticipated to be appointed as the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

O’Neill, who works under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been chosen by the White House to succeed Susan Monares as the CDC director. This decision has been confirmed by officials from the Trump administration.

Previously, O’Neill held positions as the CEO of the Thiel Foundation and co-founded the Thiel Fellowship. His experience also includes work at HHS and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the George W. Bush presidency.

Just a month into her role as CDC director, Monares was dismissed by the White House after she declined to resign. A spokesperson indicated that her agenda did not align with the president’s goal of improving health in America.

This shift, alongside the resignation of three other CDC officials, has ignited a strike among hundreds of employees at the Atlanta headquarters. Protest organizers expressed disappointment, stating, “We had planned to honor the outgoing officials, but they were escorted away this morning, which isn’t right.”

During the protest, employees rallied in support of former officials who resigned, including Debhayai, a former Chief Medical Officer, and Daniel Gernigan, who directed crucial centers at the CDC. Their presence at the rally drew cheers from attendees.

Daskalakis shared his reasons for leaving, citing frustrations over changes in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and the way communication was handled with advisory panels. He stated, “My grandfather, who shares my name, fought against fascism and lost his life. I resign to honor him and his legacy.”

Monares’ legal team has accused the Trump administration of targeting her for refusing to endorse what they deem dangerous policies that undermine scientific integrity. As of now, both the CDC and HHS have not provided comments on the situation.