Ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez expressed deep concern over politicization of vaccine decisions, especially by RFK Jr., and criticized current leadership for undermining science and public trust. She resigned after CDC leadership was sidelined, citing policies not based on science that risk American health. Monarez highlighted that CDC scientists lacked transparency and independence under Secretary Kennedy, who altered vaccine guidance via social media without sharing data. She also revealed the removal of a scientific document on thimerosal and a last-minute, unvetted presentation on the additive, which she said damages confidence in health agencies.
- Houry resigned citing politicization of CDC policies
- Criticized Kennedy for censoring CDC science
- Accused leadership of undermining scientific independence
- Highlighted changes to COVID-19 guidance without data
- Mentioned removal of scientific document on thimerosal
- Stated trust and transparency in health agencies are broken
Monarez criticized Kennedy’s leadership for censoring CDC science and politicizing health processes. She stated that the department’s actions could lead to increases in preventable diseases and declining health outcomes. She detailed how Kennedy changed COVID-19 vaccine guidance through social media, without CDC scientists seeing the data. She also pointed out the removal of a scientific document on thimerosal and an unvetted presentation on the additive, undermining transparency and confidence. Her comments come amid concerns about vaccine decision politicization, notably from RFK Jr., which she says is troubling for public health. This all occurred around the time of her resignation, which was finalized on 2025-09-17 19:29:00.
- Highlight the politicization of vaccine decisions by RFK Jr. and its impact on public trust.
- Detail how CDC leadership was sidelined, affecting science-based policies.
- Explain the lack of transparency, including secret changes to COVID-19 guidance and removal of scientific documents.
- Emphasize the risk of increased preventable diseases due to policy shifts and diminished trust.
This situation underscores the urgent need for transparency and science-based decision-making in public health agencies.
Monitoring how these developments influence vaccine policy and public confidence is essential moving forward.
