😲 ¡Increíble! In a stunning move, Susan Monarez was removed as director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) less than a month after taking office — making her the shortest-serving CDC chief ever!
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) dropped the bombshell in a post on X, thanking Monarez “for her dedicated service to the American people” — but gave no reason for her departure.
Meanwhile, Monarez’s lawyers fired back, insisting she hadn’t quit or been fired and accusing HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of “weaponizing public health for political gain.” They warned that purging top experts put “millions of American lives at risk.” 😬
Hours later, the White House stepped in. Spokesman Kush Desai said Monarez refused to resign after signaling her intent, so the White House officially terminated her.
The drama reportedly centered on sweeping changes to vaccine policy. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, has already withdrawn federal COVID-19 shot recommendations for pregnant women and healthy kids, and fired all CDC vaccine advisors in June — replacing them with handpicked allies. 📉💉
According to The Washington Post, Kennedy and other officials pressed Monarez for days on whether she’d support rescinding coronavirus vaccine approvals. When she hesitated, the showdown turned into a firing.
To add to the turmoil, several senior CDC officials resigned the same day. Reports say they left in protest of policy shifts, alleged misinformation, and the growing politicization of public health. 📝🚪
As questions swirl over the CDC’s direction, public health experts are on edge. Can the agency bounce back after this whirlwind shake-up? Stay tuned for more updates! 🔍📢
Reference(s):
U.S. disease control chief fired after less than a month in position
cgtn.com
