U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez was abruptly fired Wednesday after less than a month in the role, sparking chaos in public health leadership. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced her departure on X (formerly Twitter) without explanation, thanking her for 'dedicated service.' But Monarez's legal team fired back, claiming she wasn’t fired or resigned—accusing HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of 'weaponizing public health for political gain.' 💥
Monarez, sworn in July 31, now holds the record for the shortest-serving CDC director. The drama unfolded as Kennedy—a vocal vaccine skeptic—pushed controversial policy shifts, including scrapping COVID-19 shot recommendations for pregnant women and kids. Critics say his overhaul of CDC vaccine advisory panels with anti-vaccine allies has 'put millions of lives at risk.'
The White House later confirmed Monarez's termination, stating she refused to resign despite prior notice. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported Kennedy pressured Monarez to align with his efforts to revoke coronavirus vaccine approvals. 🚨 Several senior CDC officials also resigned Wednesday, citing frustration over 'politicization' and alleged misinformation.
This whirlwind month highlights growing tensions between science and politics in U.S. public health—a debate with global implications. 🌍
