Sanders Calls for Resignation of HHS Secretary Kennedy

Senator Bernie Sanders, representing Vermont, is urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign. This plea comes after a wave of resignations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the dismissal of CDC director Susan Monares, who had only recently been confirmed.

The Trump administration’s decision to remove Monares occurred shortly after she opposed new vaccine availability restrictions that Kennedy had suggested, particularly regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Following her ousting, four other CDC officials resigned in protest, highlighting concerns about Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance. In solidarity with their former colleagues, many staff members even left their posts at the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters.

In an op-ed for the New York Times, Sanders criticized Kennedy, asserting that his actions “have put the health of Americans today at risk.” He accused Kennedy of dismissing Monares for not endorsing harmful policies. Sanders added that despite overwhelming resistance from the medical community, Kennedy continues to advocate for outdated conspiracies against vaccines.

“It’s absurd that in 2025, we still need to emphasize the vaccines’ safety and efficacy,” Sanders remarked. He stressed that this viewpoint is backed by a strong consensus within the scientific and medical fields. Furthermore, he pointed out that vaccines for diseases like polio and COVID-19 have saved countless lives around the globe.

As a key member of the Senate Health Committee, Sanders previously opposed Kennedy’s confirmation back in February. Following Monares’ departure, Deputy Chief Jim O’Neill has been named acting director of the CDC.

The Trump administration has defended the removal of Monares. White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt stated that the president has the authority to let go of individuals who do not align with his agenda. The administration asserts that Kennedy is committed to restoring the credibility of the CDC and enhancing public health measures.

Earlier this week, Sanders called for an investigation into Monares’ dismissal, labeling the action as “reckless” and “dangerous.” In his op-ed, he accused Kennedy of capitalizing on public mistrust surrounding vaccines to further his own career, warning that such an environment would hinder Americans’ access to life-saving vaccines.

Sanders expressed concern that diseases, once controlled through effective vaccination, could resurface, posing significant risks to public health. He concluded by asserting that Kennedy’s resignation is necessary, urging President Trump to appoint leaders who will heed expert advice on health matters.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for comments.