Trump Fires CDC Director Susan Moniz – White House Statement
CDC director Susan Monarez Fired by President Trump
Table of Contents
At-a-glance: President trump fired CDC Director Susan Monarez after she refused to resign. Jim O’Neill has been named acting director. The move signals potential shifts in U.S. immunization policy.
Key Facts
- What: President Donald Trump fired Susan Monarez, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Where: Washington, D.C.
- When: august 27, 2025
- Why it matters: The firing follows disagreements between Monarez and HHS Secretary robert F.Kennedy Jr. regarding immunization policy. It signals a potential shift in the CDC’s direction and raises concerns about the influence of political agendas on public health.
- What’s next: Jim O’Neill has been appointed as acting director. A permanent replacement for Monarez will require Senate confirmation.
Details of the Firing
The White House stated that Trump fired monarez because she was not aligned with his mission.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed Trump’s authority to remove appointees who don’t support his agenda.
Monarez’s attorney, Mark Zaid, argued that an email from HR is insufficient grounds for termination for a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate. He stated Monarez “refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts,” choosing public health over a political agenda.
Jim O’Neill Appointed Acting Director
Jim O’Neill, currently the deputy secretary of the Health and Human Services department, will serve as acting director of the CDC. He was sworn in as deputy secretary in June and is a close aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Potential Implications
the temporary appointment of O’Neill suggests Kennedy Jr. may have increased latitude to implement changes to U.S. immunization policy. The confirmation process for a permanent director will be closely watched, as it will likely reveal the administration’s priorities for the CDC.
Relevant Personnel
| Name | Title | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Donald Trump | President of the United States | The White house |
| Susan Monarez | Former Director, CDC | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Jim O’Neill | Acting Director, CDC | Health and Human Services Department |
| Robert F. Kennedy Jr. | Secretary of Health and Human Services | Health and Human Services Department |
| Karoline leavitt | White House Press secretary | The White House |
| Mark Zaid | Attorney for Susan Monarez | (Private Practice) |