CDC Director Alleges RFK Forcefully Removed Career Scientists Until They Supported His Opinions, Former Director Claims
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been embroiled in a political storm, with the former director, Susan Monarez, accusing Health and Human Services Department Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. of directing her not to speak to any career employees.
Kennedy Jr., who was confirmed as Secretary in March, has made several changes within the department, including appointing Dr. Sara Oliver, Dr. Grace Lee, and Dr. José Romero as members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. However, Monarez refused to pre-accept forthcoming decisions from the agency's vaccine advisory panel and to fire career employees without cause.
This refusal led to a series of disagreements between Monarez and Robert Kennedy Jr. The culmination of these disagreements resulted in Monarez's dismissal by Kennedy Jr. Kennedy Jr. also fired all existing members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and installed his own nominees.
The dismissal of Monarez and the changes within the committee have raised concerns among senators. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have expressed distress over HHS' political leadership sidelining career staff. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who chairs the HELP Committee, expressed concern about the turmoil at the CDC, stating that it is not good for the health of the American people.
Monarez agreed with the senators, stating that it 'really concerns' her due to the highly technical nature of the decisions being made. She further stated that she had 'no basis to fire scientific experts.' If political appointees are willing to sign off on decisions not made with the best available data and evidence, it puts at risk children and others who need vaccines, Monarez added.
The CDC has faced significant staff cuts since the Trump administration took office, with mass layoffs of 2,400 employees. Although a fraction of those workers have since been recalled, the reductions are still having significant impacts. The staff cuts have resulted in less ready responders for the next type of pandemic and less visibility into global pathogens.
Debra Houry, the former CDC's chief medical officer, resigned after Monarez's firing, along with other top officials. Houry stated that CDC leaders were reduced to rubber stamps, supporting policies not based in science, and putting American lives at risk.
Robert Kennedy Jr.'s nominees have faced pushback due to their lack of scientific backgrounds. Kennedy Jr. has made clear his distrust of career CDC employees, as evidenced by his remarks to Monarez that CDC employees are 'horrible people' who 'kill children' and 'don't care.'
The CDC leaders have told Congress that staff reductions and the silencing of career scientists is endangering public health and putting Americans at risk. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the role of the CDC in providing accurate and timely information has never been more crucial. The ongoing controversies within the department threaten to undermine this critical mission.
Read also:
- Inadequate supply of accessible housing overlooks London's disabled community
- Strange discovery in EU: Rabbits found with unusual appendages resembling tentacles on their heads
- Duration of a Travelling Blood Clot: Time Scale Explained
- Fainting versus Seizures: Overlaps, Distinctions, and Proper Responses
