Turmoil has erupted at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following the abrupt dismissal of Director Susan Monarez.
The chaos began when the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on 27/8 that Monarez was no longer employed.
Her attorneys swiftly denied that she had resigned, asserting that she neither submitted a resignation nor received any termination notice. They contend that Monarez, appointed roughly a month prior, was forced out due to "political factors" related to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Monarez, former deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), was confirmed by the Senate as CDC director in late July. She is known for her research applying artificial intelligence in healthcare.
"Director Susan Monarez refused to blindly approve unscientific and reckless directives, and refused to fire dedicated health professionals. She chose to protect public health over serving a political agenda. For this, she became a target for removal," her legal team stated.
The White House subsequently confirmed that President Donald Trump had ordered her dismissal.
"She was not aligned with the president's 'Make America Healthy Again' policy goals. Since she wouldn't resign, the White House decided to fire her," said spokesperson Kush Desai.
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Susan Monarez speaks before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on 25/6. Photo: AFP |
Susan Monarez speaks before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on 25/6. Photo: AFP
Pressure from the White House and HHS on Monarez triggered a wave of resignations within CDC leadership on 27/8.
At least 4 senior officials resigned: Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, head of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Daniel Jernigan, and director of the Office of Public Health Data and Technology Jen Layden.
Kennedy, long controversial for his vaccine skepticism, recently decided to cut $500 million in mRNA vaccine development contracts and alter vaccination policies.
In his resignation letter, Daskalakis wrote that he "could no longer serve as public health became increasingly politicized." Houry warned that the "spread of vaccine misinformation is costing lives."
Some CDC staff were shocked by these events, as the departing leaders are all leading experts in their fields. US health experts warn that the loss of seasoned leadership will significantly weaken the CDC.
Thanh Danh (NBC, Guardian)
