Senator Markwayne Mullin claimed to have a recording of Susan Monarez's dismissal, but it was later confirmed that no such recording exists. Monarez testified about her firing from the CDC, citing pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to approve vaccine recommendations without sufficient science, which she refused, citing her commitment to scientific integrity. The hearing highlighted political tensions surrounding vaccine policy and CDC leadership, with Republicans questioning Monarez's credibility and Democrats defending her.
The White House appointed Jim O'Neill as acting CDC director amid ongoing disputes and protests over the ousting of CDC Director Susan Monarez, following disagreements over COVID vaccine policy reforms led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which caused significant resignations and unrest within the agency.
White House officials announced the termination of CDC leader Monarez, citing misalignment with the administration's health agenda, followed by the resignation of three top CDC officials who criticized the lack of expert briefings to the secretary, leaving the CDC without leadership amid recent security incidents and controversy over vaccine policies.
