Kennedy Jr. alleges that Monarez, a previous CDC leader, deceived the American public

In a turbulent period for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly criticised Susan Monarez, the former director of the agency. Monarez served as director from July 31 to August 27, 2025, a tenure that marked the shortest in the CDC's 79-year history.

Monarez's dismissal has been met with outrage among top officials at the CDC, leading to resignations from several key figures within the organisation. The controversy surrounding her departure has been fuelled by allegations that she was fired for not endorsing vaccine recommendations not supported by science.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has accused Monarez of lying to the American public about her dismissal. He has been vocal in his criticism, a move that may further escalate the conflict within the CDC.

The controversy has already disrupted the CDC, with employees staging a walkout as a show of solidarity with Monarez and a protest against her dismissal. This action could potentially disrupt ongoing public health efforts.

The ongoing turmoil at the CDC could impact the public's perception of the agency and its decisions regarding vaccine recommendations. Kennedy's criticism of Monarez may exacerbate this issue, leading to additional uncertainty and confusion.

Monarez, a U.S. microbiologist and health policy expert, has not provided a clear explanation regarding her dismissal. The lack of transparency has added to the controversy and turmoil at the CDC.

As the situation at the CDC continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the agency's ongoing public health efforts and the public's trust in its decisions.

Kennedy Jr. alleges that Monarez, a previous CDC leader, deceived the American public