08/29/2025

CDC Gets New Acting Director amid Ousting of Susan Monarez

Meanwhile, leadership turmoil leaves the agency reeling

The nation's top public health agency was left reeling Thursday as the White House worked to expel the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director and replace her with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s current deputy.

The turmoil triggered rare bipartisan alarm as Kennedy tries to advance anti-vaccine policies that are contradicted by decades of scientific research.

Two administration officials said Jim O’Neill, the second-in-command at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), would supplant Susan Monarez, a longtime government scientist. O’Neill, a former investment executive who also served at the federal health department under President George W. Bush, does not have a medical background. The officials, who confirmed the change, requested anonymity to discuss personnel decisions before a public announcement.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Associated Press.