Susan Monarez was removed from her role as CDC director after clashing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over proposed vaccine policy changes; she refused to resign and was fired. HHS announced her removal on X and thanked her for her service. The firing followed FDA approval of new, more limited COVID-19 vaccines available only to younger adults and children with certain medical conditions. Lawyers representing Monarez called the firing legally deficient and said she would remain in the position until President Trump fires her. Her departure prompted resignations by other top CDC officials and calls for Kennedy's ouster. Monarez is the first Senate-confirmed CDC director and the first non-physician director since the 1950s; she holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology and has a long career in infectious diseases research and public health roles.
Monarez, who began her tenure just under one month ago after being confirmed by the Senate on July 31, was reportedly asked to resign on Wednesday because she clashed with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over proposed changes to vaccine policies. After refusing to resign, she was fired. "Susan Monarez is no longer director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," the HHS wrote on X Wednesday night. "We thank her for her dedicated service to the American people."
The announcement of her removal came just hours after the FDA approved new COVID-19 vaccinations-with limits for who qualified to receive them. The new vaccines are available to only younger adults and children with certain medical conditions, a significant change from past policies that approved them for everyone 6 months or older. Lawyers representing Monarez have asserted that her firing is "legally deficient" and that, as an appointee, she will remain in the position until President Trump himself fires her.
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