Why did Susan Monarez resign as CDC director weeks after taking the role?
CDC in Crisis: Susan Monarez Resigns After Clash with RFK Jr.
Susan Monarez has resigned as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just weeks after taking the role, marking one of the shortest leadership stints in the agency’s history.
Monarez, an infectious disease researcher and the first non-physician to lead the CDC in more than five decades, reportedly clashed with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over sweeping changes to vaccine policy and the agency’s advisory structure. According to officials familiar with the matter, Monarez objected to Kennedy’s decision to replace long-standing vaccine experts with outspoken critics of immunization programs.
Susan Monarez is no longer director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We thank her for her dedicated service to the American people. @SecKennedy has full confidence in his team at @CDCgov who will continue to be vigilant in protecting Americans against infectious…
— HHS.gov (@HHSGov) August 27, 2025
Her departure comes amid a wave of upheaval within the CDC. Kennedy has overseen deep cuts to the agency’s workforce, funding reductions, and the elimination of several of its core functions. Just last week, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that a vocal opponent of COVID-19 vaccines had been appointed to lead a subcommittee tasked with reviewing vaccine safety—an appointment that rattled public health experts nationwide.
Monarez, who had served as acting director since President Trump took office, was formally nominated after Trump’s initial choice, Dr. David Weldon, withdrew. During her brief tenure, she was required to run her plans through senior aides at both HHS and the CDC, limiting her independence as director.
Despite the political turbulence, Monarez had earned respect among many employees for her empathetic leadership during a recent tragedy at CDC headquarters. Earlier this month, a gunman—who authorities said believed he had been harmed by COVID-19 vaccines—opened fire at the Atlanta campus, killing a police officer and injuring several others. In response, Monarez issued a message to staff condemning misinformation about vaccines, echoing concerns raised in an open letter employees sent to Kennedy.
Her resignation leaves the CDC facing another leadership vacuum at a time of mounting controversy over vaccine safety, staffing cuts, and public trust in health institutions. The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet announced who will take over the role.
This is a developing story.