US Health Agency Head Accuses RFK Jr of Exerting Pressure to Disregard Scientific Evidence in Firing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been embroiled in a controversy following the ousting of its head, Susan Monarez, last month. Monarez testified before lawmakers that U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanded politically driven decisions and censored CDC science.
Monarez claimed that Kennedy insisted she keep an open mind but lacked any data or science to support his demands. She further stated that Kennedy expected her to change the childhood vaccine schedule without scientific data, a move she believed could lead the U.S. into "a very dangerous place in public health."
Kennedy's actions have been criticised for impairing the independence of CDC leadership. He is said to have dismissed Monarez after demanding politically driven approvals and making controversial changes to vaccine policies.
Monarez's testimony contradicts what Kennedy had told the Senate Finance Committee about the events. Debra Houry, former CDC chief medical officer, testified that Kennedy politicized CDC processes, censored its science, and stripped leaders of independence. Houry responded uncompromisingly that, given Kennedy's actions and the children who had died under his watch, she believed Kennedy should resign.
Senator Angela Alsobrooks asked Houry if she believed Kennedy was "incompetent and dangerous to the American people's health." Houry did not mince words, stating that she could not in good conscience remain under those conditions and believed Kennedy should resign.
Monarez's ouster was followed by the departure of several senior CDC officials. Kennedy has dramatically revamped the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, firing all of its members and replacing them with figures whose views mirror his own vaccine skepticism.
Vaccines are safe and effective, according to the overwhelming consensus of the scientific community. However, critics say the Trump administration has gone out of its way to sow doubt about them. In 2025, the United States experienced its worst measles outbreak in more than 30 years, with over 1,400 total confirmed cases and three deaths, including two young children.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is set to meet the day after Monarez's testimony. Under questioning from Republican Senate health committee chair Bill Cassidy, Monarez said Kennedy expected her to change the childhood vaccine schedule without scientific data. Monarez stated that major CDC decisions coming from politicized ideology rather than hard science could move the U.S. into "a very dangerous place in public health."
This controversy raises questions about the politicization of public health decisions and the role of science in policy-making. The upcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will be closely watched as it could provide further insights into these issues.
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