Trump Fires CDC Director, Appoints RFK Jr Deputy as Acting Chief

President Donald Trump has fired CDC Director Susan Monarez. The dismissal occurred late Wednesday, according to White House officials. Jim O’Neill, a deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will now lead the agency.

The White House stated Monarez was not “aligned with the president’s mission.” She had held the position for only one month. Her removal has triggered significant turmoil within the nation’s top public health agency.

Leadership Shakeup Sparks Immediate Backlash and Resignations

Monarez is contesting her sudden dismissal. Her attorneys claim she was targeted for standing up for science. This information was confirmed by The Associated Press.

The firing prompted an immediate wave of resignations. Four senior CDC officials quit their posts in protest on Wednesday. This mass exodus has created a major leadership vacuum.

Dr. Debra Houry, a top official, explained the staff’s decision to leave. She said the scientific leadership was gone with Monarez. The agency is now facing a critical period of instability.

Turmoil Hits Ahead of Pivotal Vaccine Advisory Meeting

The crisis comes at a particularly sensitive time. The CDC is preparing for a key advisory committee meeting. Secretary Kennedy has recently reshaped this committee to include vaccine skeptics.

The move has drawn bipartisan concern in Congress. Two Republican senators are now calling for increased oversight. Several Democratic lawmakers are demanding Kennedy’s removal from his post.

Separately, Trump’s threats to deploy the National Guard have also drawn fire. Nineteen Democratic governors issued a joint statement condemning the idea. They called it an alarming abuse of presidential power.

The firing of the CDC director represents a major shift in U.S. health policy. This move places a key RFK Jr. deputy at the helm of the nation’s premier public health institution during a volatile period.

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Who is the new acting CDC director?

Jim O’Neill is the new acting director. He is a senior deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He was sworn into his previous role at the Department of Health and Human Services in June.

Why was the previous CDC director fired?

The White House said Susan Monarez was not aligned with the president’s mission. Officials also stated she refused to resign from her position. Her attorneys argue she was fired for standing up for science.

How have CDC staff reacted to the firing?

Four senior officials resigned immediately in protest. The resignations have created a significant leadership gap. Staff expressed concern over the loss of scientific leadership.

What has the political reaction been?

The reaction has been bipartisan. Republican senators are calling for oversight hearings. Several Democrats are demanding the removal of Health Secretary Kennedy.

What happens to the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee?

The agency is preparing for a pivotal committee meeting. Secretary Kennedy recently reshaped the committee’s membership. The new composition includes several vaccine skeptics.

Trusted Sources: The Associated Press, Reuters