CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez Ousted Amidst Low Morale and Agency Instability
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is without a director, as Dr. Susan Monarez has been relieved of her position, according to three unnamed sources with knowledge of the situation.
The departure of the CDC’s leader comes at a critical time, leaving the agency in a leadership vacuum.
Previously marked by low morale due to significant staff reductions in the spring, the atmosphere at the CDC has further deteriorated following a shooting incident on August 8 that targeted the agency’s main campus in Atlanta, resulting in extensive damage and the death of DeKalb County police officer David Rose. A subsequent wave of termination notices affected an additional 600 employees.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced via a statement that Dr. Monarez “is no longer director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” The HHS expressed gratitude for her service to the American people, stating that they have confidence in their team at @CDCgov who will continue to protect Americans against infectious diseases domestically and internationally.
The Washington Post was first to report this news.
Dr. Monarez served as President Donald Trump’s second appointee for the CDC, with Dr. Dave Weldon’s nomination being withdrawn in March due to concerns about his vaccine skepticism voiced by White House officials.
Monarez became the shortest-serving director in the agency’s history upon her confirmation by the Senate and served as principal deputy director and acting director from January to March. She holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology but is not a medical doctor, making her the first CDC director since the 1950s without a clinical background.
Upon her swearing-in on July 31, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed confidence in Monarez’s “unimpeachable scientific credentials” and her ability to restore Americans’ trust in the agency. In a statement, Monarez acknowledged the privilege of working alongside CDC public servants and stated her commitment to strengthening and modernizing the nation’s public health preparedness and response through science and innovation.
Former CDC Principal Deputy Director Dr. Nirav Shah commented on Wednesday that the removal of Monarez represented another instance of chaotic leadership under Secretary Kennedy, emphasizing the importance of stable leadership during times of increasing public health threats. Shah noted that the instability at the CDC would not contribute to making Americans healthy again.
This is a developing story and will be updated.