Susan Monarez
Coverage of Susan Monarez in the Nexus archive.
- Former CDC official describes "pure chaos" as RFK Jr. sought to transform health agency
Dr. Debra Houry, former CDC chief medical officer, described 'pure chaos' during Robert F. Kennedy's leadership at HHS and warned about threats to the scientific integrity of federal health agencies. She left the CDC in protest after the firing of then CDC director Susan Monarez.
- Former CDC chief medical officer Debra Houry discusses her resignation over RFK Jr.'s policies
Debra Houry resigned in protest after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired Susan Monarez. The resignation was discussed in an interview with Margaret Brennan on CBS News.
- RFK Jr. won't back CDC director on vaccines as agency scraps positive data
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal anti-vaccine advocate, refuses to support evidence-based vaccine policies from the next CDC director and has removed scientific data conflicting with his views. Trump-nominated CDC director Erica Schwartz, a respected public health official, faces challenges under Kennedy, who previously ousted the prior CDC director, Susan Monarez, for resisting his anti-vaccine agenda.
- Trump nominates former deputy surgeon general to lead CDC
President Trump nominated former deputy surgeon general Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC, aiming to address its leadership vacuum and demoralized workforce. He also appointed several other officials, including Sean Slovenski and Jennifer Shuford, to key roles at the agency.
- CDC Director Susan Monarez refuses to step down, arguing only Trump can fire her
CDC Director Susan Monarez was removed from her position, but her attorneys claim the firing is legally deficient. Monarez asserts only President Trump can legally dismiss her.