President Donald Trump has nominated Susan Monarez to permanently lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), replacing his withdrawn first choice Dave Weldon after the former Florida congressman faced insurmountable Senate opposition over his vaccine safety positions.
Monarez, who has served as acting director since January following the departure of Biden-appointed director Mandy Cohen, would become the first person without a medical degree to head the CDC in more than 50 years if confirmed by the Senate. She is an infectious disease researcher and former deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Leadership Change Amid Controversy
The nomination follows Trump's withdrawal of support for Weldon, whose confirmation prospects collapsed after it became apparent he would not secure the necessary Senate votes. Weldon, a medical doctor and former congressman, had courted controversy by questioning vaccine safety, raising concerns among senators about his fitness to lead the nation's premier public health agency.
"Americans have lost confidence in the CDC due to political bias and disastrous mismanagement," Trump wrote on Truth Social, announcing Monarez's nomination. He added that she would work with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to fight chronic disease and improve trust in the agency.
Senate Republicans reportedly found Weldon's plans for the agency insufficient. Senator Bill Cassidy, a member of the Health, Education, Labour and Pensions committee, stated: "CDC needs reform. That's why I launched a Senate Republican CDC working group. I look forward to meeting Dr Susan Monarez and learning more about her vision for the agency."
Professional Background and Qualifications
Monarez brings nearly 20 years of federal government experience to the role. Her background as an infectious disease researcher has drawn praise from public health experts, despite concerns about her lack of a medical degree.
"She has a strong reputation as a solid researcher and expert in infectious diseases," said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. "She clearly understands public health and the role governmental public health plays. I believe the public health community can work with her in a positive manner."
Current Challenges Facing the CDC
The CDC, operating with a $17.3 billion budget, faces multiple urgent public health challenges. The agency is currently managing a measles outbreak linked to falling vaccination rates and monitoring an upsurge in bird flu that resulted in the first fatal case in the U.S. in January. The agency also oversees national immunization programs.
Concerns about federal vaccination support have intensified since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed the role of Health and Human Services Secretary. A meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices was initially postponed shortly after Kennedy took office, though it has since been rescheduled for April 15-16.
The agency has also faced significant organizational changes under the Trump administration, including sweeping job cuts, though some probationary staffers who were initially terminated have subsequently been asked to return to work.
Internal Concerns and Leadership Style
Despite external support from health experts, some CDC staff have expressed concerns about Monarez's leadership approach. According to agency employees, she has been working remotely from outside Atlanta, where the CDC is headquartered, and has not attended the agency's all-hands meetings.
Staff members report that her office primarily functions as a conduit for orders from the White House and Health Department. A comment section on the agency's internal website was reportedly deleted after employees requested more communication from leadership.
Monarez has also been involved in federal cost-cutting efforts that may lead to organizational changes at the CDC. When asked to remove terms like "LGBTQ" and "transgender" from the CDC website, sources indicate she did not object or attempt to protect that content.
Path Forward
Monarez's nomination represents Trump's second attempt to install permanent leadership at the CDC after the Weldon withdrawal. Her confirmation will require Senate approval, where she may face questions about her non-medical background and leadership approach.
The nomination comes at a critical time for the CDC as it navigates multiple public health challenges while operating under an administration that has expressed skepticism about traditional public health approaches, particularly regarding vaccination programs.
