White House Says New CDC Director Is Fired — But She Refuses to Leave
Date: August 28, 2025
Breaking News at the CDC
In a stunning turn of events, the White House officially announced on August 27, 2025. Susan Monarez, who had been serving as the newly confirmed Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She was fired after just weeks in the position (The Washington Post, Politico, The Guardian).
However, in a dramatic twist, Monarez’s legal team insisted she has not resigned. she had not received a proper firing notification, and citing legal and procedural concerns.
Why the Clash? Vaccine Policy and Political Pressure
Monarez’s removal stems from her refusal to align with sweeping vaccine policy changes under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She reportedly declined to fire top public health officials or rubber-stamp directives she deemed unscientific (CBS News, Politico, The Guardian).
In her short tenure the Senate confirmed her on July 29. she was sworn in July 31 the agency had already weathered a deadly shooting, internal turmoil, and political meddling.
Legal Stand-Off: Who Can Fire Her?
Monarez’s attorneys argue that as a Senate‑confirmed appointee, only the President. she not Kerry or HHS officials has the authority to terminate her. They described any other move as “legally deficient” (CBS News, The Guardian).
Leadership Exodus: CDC in Turmoil
The announcement triggered a wave of resignations from senior-level CDC leadership:
- Dr. Debra Houry – Chief Medical Officer
- Dr. Demetre Daskalakis – Director of Immunization & Respiratory Diseases
- Dr. Daniel Jernigan – Director of Emerging & Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
- Dr. Jennifer Layden – Director of Public Health Data, Surveillance & Technology (CBS News, AP News, STAT)
Officials cited concerns over political interference, budget cuts, and erosion of scientific integrity, warning of weakened public health defenses.
What This Means for the CDC and Public Health
- Leadership Vacuum – With the top director ousted and several high-ranking officials resigning, the CDC faces an unprecedented leadership crisis.
- Eroding Trust – Public health experts warn that sidelining science in favor of political agendas may further erode public trust. Especially amid rising vaccine skepticism and misinformation (The Guardian, STAT, AP News).
- Legal Ambiguity – The standoff raises questions about authority in federal appointments—serving as a potential flashpoint for legal battle over presidential vs. bureaucratic power (CBS News, The Guardian).
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