A lawyer for Susan Monares, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stated that only President Trump has the authority to dismiss her.
“Our client received notification late tonight from the Human Resources Office at the White House saying she has been terminated. However, only the president can actually fire her since she is a presidential appointee,” attorney Mark Zaid posted around midnight Wednesday.
“Given this, Dr. Monares has not informed him of any legal shortcomings on his part, and she continues as CDC Director. We’ve communicated our stance to the White House’s legal team.”
Zaid had previously dismissed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) statement, tweeting around 5:30 PM Wednesday, “Susan Monarez is no longer the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
He contended in a statement that his client was being targeted for her refusal to follow “scientific and reckless instructions” and for advocating on behalf of medical professionals. She opted to prioritize public health over political interests. “That’s the reason for the targeting,” the statement indicated.
“Dr. Monares hasn’t received any resignation letter or termination notice from the White House, and being committed to science, she will not resign,” Zaid asserted.
Later, the White House issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation.
“Susan Monales does not align with the president’s goal to enhance public health, as noted clearly in her lawyer’s remarks,” said White House spokesman Kush Desai.
“The White House has dismissed Monales from her position at the CDC since she declined to resign, even after notifying HHS leadership of her intention to do so.”
However, Zaid’s comments imply that Monales will only accept her termination if it comes directly from President Trump.
The president has yet to comment publicly on the ongoing leadership issues at the CDC, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt plans to address the media Thursday afternoon.
On Wednesday, four senior officials from the agency resigned, accusing HHS director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of using the agency for political motives.
Monares, a veteran government scientist, took the lead at the CDC after Trump’s initial pick, former Florida Rep. David Weldon, failed to gain adequate support in the Senate.
She was confirmed by the Senate with a 51-47 vote, primarily along party lines, owing to Democratic frustrations toward Kennedy.
Monares’ backing of the vaccine stands in contrast to Kennedy’s long-held doubts, though she was careful not to criticize him during her confirmation hearings.
According to the New York Times, Kennedy demanded Monares either resign or be fired on Monday amid disagreements over vaccine policies.
Instead, she reached out to Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who chairs the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Cassidy indicated on Friday that the committee would need to oversee the leadership departures, but the specifics of this oversight remain unclear.
