Sen. Bernie Sanders Calls for HHS Secretary to Resign Amid CDC Turmoil

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has pushed for the resignation of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following recent upheaval at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where the agency’s director was dismissed, prompting additional high-level departures.

As a leading member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Sanders remarked that he has, at times, aligned with President Trump and Kennedy on health issues but expressed concern that their recent actions contradicted those intentions.

In a commentary published Saturday morning, he stated, “Despite significant pushback from the medical community, Secretary Kennedy has persistently supported years of vaccine skepticism and conspiracy theories that scientific experts have repeatedly discredited.”

Sanders emphasized, “It’s absurd that in 2025 we’re still discussing vaccine safety. This isn’t just my opinion; it’s the clear consensus of the scientific and medical fields.”

In light of the situation, Sanders called for comments from HHS.

The senator’s demand for Kennedy’s resignation came after the firing of CDC director Susan Monares on Wednesday, which led to the resignations of four other senior officials who criticized the handling of public health within the agency.

Kennedy and the White House justified Monares’ dismissal, asserting that he has the authority to terminate individuals who do not align with his objectives.

According to a spokesperson, “President Kennedy and his administration are dedicated to rebuilding trust, transparency, and credibility at the CDC by enhancing public health systems and preventing future health threats.”

The ousting of Monares and subsequent resignations sparked significant concern in the public health community and brought forth mixed reactions in Congress.

On Thursday, Sanders criticized the administration, demanding a bipartisan investigation into the circumstances surrounding Monares’ firing, labeling it a “reckless” decision.

He also challenged Kennedy’s stance on vaccines, contending, “Secretary Kennedy has profited from fostering distrust in vaccines throughout his career.”

Sanders warned that under Kennedy’s leadership, it could become “more difficult” for Americans to access essential vaccines and that public health initiatives could be jeopardized.

He expressed concern that diseases once controlled by effective vaccines could reemerge, posing significant risks to public health.

Furthermore, Sanders pointed out that the U.S. must enhance its readiness for potential pandemic threats like COVID-19, criticizing Kennedy’s approach as potentially exacerbating the situation. He noted the recent decision to cut $500 million in federal funding aimed at mRNA vaccine development.

In a direct call to action, Sanders asserted, “Secretary Kennedy is endangering American lives; he needs to step down. President Trump should heed the advice of medical professionals and appoint a qualified health secretary and CDC director.”

The Trump administration appointed Deputy Chief Jim O’Neill as the acting director of the CDC on Thursday.