President Donald Trump is following through on his promise to let Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “go wild” on health policy, sparking controversy and unrest within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Less than a month after her Senate confirmation, CDC Director Susan Monarez faced termination. After Kennedy expressed dissatisfaction with her leadership, Monarez reportedly requested to hear the decision directly from the president. Hours later, a White House personnel staffer informed her she had been fired.
Bipartisan Concern Over CDC Shakeup
Monarez’s abrupt dismissal drew criticism from Democrats, Republicans, and public health officials alike. Career CDC staff viewed it as part of a broader pattern in which Trump supports Kennedy’s unconventional policy decisions. Earlier in the month, Trump rehired one of Kennedy’s top vaccine advisers, Vinay Prasad, after previously firing him at the request of MAGA influencer Laura Loomer. Trump also did not object when Kennedy announced plans to defund research into mRNA vaccines—vaccine technology central to the Operation Warp Speed program.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced Kennedy’s authority in a Thursday briefing. She claimed Monarez did not align “with the president’s mission to make America healthy again,” referencing Kennedy’s “MAHA” (Make America Healthy Again) initiative. Leavitt dismissed Monarez’s accusations that Kennedy was issuing “unscientific, reckless directives” regarding vaccines.
“It was President Trump, who was overwhelmingly reelected on November 5,” Leavitt said. “This woman has never received a vote in her life, and the president has the authority to fire those who are not aligned with his mission.”
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Political Strategy Behind Kennedy’s Influence
Trump loyalists believe Kennedy’s support helped deliver the popular vote and that keeping his MAHA followers engaged is critical for GOP success in upcoming elections. The Monarez episode underscores the president’s continued backing of Kennedy, despite controversial moves like defunding mRNA vaccine research or rehiring advisers previously dismissed for political reasons.
CDC Faces Internal Turmoil
Monarez’s firing triggered resignations from top CDC officials, who protested Kennedy’s policies. One official warned that Kennedy’s statements casting doubt on vaccine safety could endanger vulnerable populations. The shakeup represents a rare moment of public scrutiny for the administration from Republican lawmakers.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), chair of the Senate health panel and key in Kennedy’s confirmation, called for oversight of CDC departures and recommended rejecting vaccine guidance from panels influenced by Kennedy. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also expressed concern, urging Congress to monitor the administration’s health decisions. Kennedy is scheduled to testify before the Senate Finance Committee next week about the administration’s health agenda.
Trump’s Continued Support
Despite mounting criticism, Trump remains steadfast in his support for Kennedy. White House officials highlighted that Trump trusts Kennedy to lead health initiatives and praised him publicly at a Cabinet meeting, specifically regarding Kennedy’s efforts to investigate environmental factors contributing to rising autism rates. Kennedy has suggested vaccines may be part of the cause, an assertion Trump echoed.
Kennedy recently traveled to Texas to celebrate state legislation aligning with his MAHA agenda. He declined to comment on Monarez’s firing but criticized the CDC’s pandemic response, calling it “very troubled” and indicating that further personnel changes might be necessary.
“There’s a lot of trouble at CDC, and it’s going to require getting rid of some people over the long term to change the institutional culture,” Kennedy said during a press conference with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. “We want to bring back pride and self-esteem and make that agency the stellar agency that it’s always been.”
Monarez’s Appointment and Departure
Monarez, a career CDC official and former principal deputy director, was initially expected to follow Kennedy’s directives without conflict. “They didn’t love her, but the understanding was she would do the job without being a pest,” said an anonymous source familiar with the administration’s thinking.
Her removal reflects a broader willingness within the Trump administration to prioritize loyalty to Kennedy’s agenda over traditional bureaucratic structures. With the CDC now in flux and Congressional oversight pending, the agency faces a period of unprecedented instability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was CDC Director Susan Monarez fired?
Susan Monarez was terminated shortly after her Senate confirmation because Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed dissatisfaction with her leadership. The White House indicated that Monarez did not align with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) mission.
What role does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. play in the Trump administration?
Kennedy serves as Health Secretary and has significant influence over public health policy. Trump has publicly supported Kennedy’s initiatives, including controversial moves regarding vaccine research and CDC leadership changes.
How have Republicans reacted to the CDC shakeup?
Some Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy and Sen. Susan Collins, have expressed concern. They called for congressional oversight and cautioned against relying on vaccine guidance from panels influenced by Kennedy.
What is the MAHA initiative?
MAHA, or “Make America Healthy Again,” is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s public health agenda. It focuses on environmental health factors, autism research, and changes to vaccine policy.
How has the CDC responded internally to Monarez’s firing?
The firing prompted resignations among top CDC officials. Some warned that Kennedy’s policies, particularly casting doubt on vaccine safety, could harm vulnerable populations.
Has Trump publicly supported Kennedy’s controversial policies?
Yes. Trump has defended Kennedy’s actions, rehired advisers at Kennedy’s request, and publicly praised his health initiatives, including research into environmental causes of autism.
What is the future of the CDC under Kennedy’s influence?
The CDC is undergoing significant personnel changes and institutional restructuring. Further oversight from Congress and public scrutiny is expected as the agency navigates Kennedy’s directives.
Conclusion
The firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez underscores the deep influence Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wields in the Trump administration. With the health secretary pursuing bold and controversial policies, the CDC faces unprecedented upheaval, prompting concern from both career officials and lawmakers. Despite bipartisan criticism, President Trump continues to support Kennedy’s agenda, signaling a willingness to prioritize loyalty and the MAHA initiative over traditional public health norms.