WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has dismissed Dr. Susan Monarez, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), following weeks of tension over how the agency reported COVID-19 data. The move marks another significant shake-up in federal health leadership during a sensitive period for U.S. pandemic preparedness.
Sudden Leadership Change
The White House confirmed late Monday that Dr. Monarez had been relieved of her position, though no replacement was immediately named. Trump publicly criticized her last week, accusing the CDC of presenting “inaccurate and fear-driven” data on lingering COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
“Bad data leads to bad decisions,” Trump said during a press conference. “We need accuracy and accountability from our public health leaders.”
The CDC, headquartered in Atlanta, is the nation’s leading public health agency and plays a central role in tracking infectious diseases and guiding policy decisions.
Background on Monarez
Dr. Monarez, a respected public health scientist, had served as deputy assistant secretary in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) before being elevated to acting director of the CDC in 2023. She became known for advocating transparent reporting of COVID-19 cases, even as hospitalizations and deaths declined sharply compared to the pandemic’s peak years.
Health officials say Monarez’s departure was abrupt, with staff learning of the decision through a late-night internal email. Some career scientists within the CDC have expressed concern that political pressure is eroding the agency’s independence.
One CDC official, speaking anonymously to protect their position, told reporters: “This feels less about science and more about politics. The data haven’t changed. What’s changed is how the White House wants it interpreted.”
White House Perspective
The Trump administration has argued that the CDC’s weekly COVID-19 surveillance reports overstated the risk of new variants, potentially discouraging economic growth and public confidence. Senior aides said the president wanted “fresh leadership” committed to “restoring trust with the American people.”
Administration officials added that the Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily oversee CDC operations until a new director is nominated and confirmed.
The Department of Health and Human Services declined to comment further on whether a permanent candidate had been identified.
Reaction From Public Health Experts
Public health experts swiftly condemned the move, warning that removing experienced leadership in the middle of ongoing pandemic monitoring could undermine preparedness for future outbreaks.
Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 coordinator, wrote on X that Monarez “served with integrity and transparency at a time when facts matter most” and that her removal “risks politicizing data that should remain objective.”
Meanwhile, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a longtime health committee member, criticized the firing as “deeply irresponsible,” saying it could weaken U.S. readiness for emerging health threats.
Republican lawmakers largely supported Trump’s decision, arguing that the CDC had failed to adequately rebuild public trust after years of mixed messaging during the pandemic.
Broader Pattern of Dismissals
Monarez’s ouster follows a series of high-profile removals of federal officials under Trump this year, many involving disagreements over data or policy assessments. In July, Trump fired Commissioner of Labor Statistics Erika McEntarfer after reports showed slowing job growth. Earlier in April, he dismissed NSA Director Timothy Haugh over security concerns.
Critics argue the dismissals reflect a broader pattern of replacing career experts with figures more aligned with Trump’s political agenda. Supporters, however, say the shake-ups are necessary to ensure accountability.
Looking Ahead
Until a new CDC director is confirmed, the agency’s deputy leadership will manage day-to-day operations. Public health analysts warn the disruption comes at a precarious time, with health agencies also monitoring outbreaks of avian influenza, measles clusters, and new cases of polio-like illness in children.
The agency’s future direction remains uncertain. As the U.S. heads into another winter season, infectious disease experts emphasize the need for continuity and clarity.
“The science doesn’t stop because of politics,” said Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at George Washington University. “The public deserves transparent information about COVID-19 and other health risks, regardless of who sits in the director’s chair.”