CDC Director Susan Monarez Ousted After Less Than a Month

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Susan Monarez, has been removed from her position after just under one month in office, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The announcement was made on Wednesday, with HHS stating, “We thank her for her dedicated service to the American people.” No specific reasons were provided for her departure.

In a brief statement to The Associated Press, Monarez, 50, declined to comment on the situation. She was appointed as the 21st director of the CDC, making history as the first to undergo Senate confirmation following a new law enacted in 2023. Initially named acting director in January, Monarez was appointed as the nominee in March after Donald Trump withdrew his initial choice, David Weldon. She officially took office on July 31, 2023, marking her tenure as the shortest in the agency’s 79-year history.

Challenges During Monarez’s Brief Tenure

Monarez’s short time at the CDC was marked by significant challenges. Just a week after she assumed her role, a tragic shooting incident occurred on August 8. A man in Georgia opened fire from a pharmacy across the street from the CDC’s main entrance, blaming the COVID-19 vaccine for his mental health struggles. The shooter killed a police officer and discharged more than 180 rounds into CDC buildings before taking his own life. Fortunately, no CDC staff were injured, but the incident left employees shaken, compounding ongoing morale issues amid recent staff cuts and resignations.

Historically, the CDC was established to combat the spread of malaria in the U.S. Its mission has since expanded, positioning the agency as a leader in public health and a key source of information on infectious and chronic diseases. However, this year has seen challenges, including widespread layoffs and controversy over vaccine policies, particularly those affected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism regarding vaccines.

During her Senate confirmation, Monarez emphasized her commitment to vaccines, public health interventions, and scientific evidence. Nevertheless, she faced scrutiny over potential conflicts with Kennedy’s stance, which has included criticism of the CDC’s previous protocols and decisions.

Reports of her removal were first published by The Washington Post, citing unnamed sources within the Trump administration. Monarez’s departure raises questions about the future direction of the CDC and the ongoing challenges facing public health leadership in the United States.