In a high-stakes confirmation hearing Wednesday, Susan Monarez, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasized her commitment to science and public health—but avoided direct criticism of controversial actions taken by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Monarez, who has served as acting director of the CDC since January, became the official nominee in March after Trump withdrew his first pick, David Weldon. If confirmed, she would make history as the first CDC director required to undergo Senate confirmation—and the first non-physician in the role in decades.
Despite her scientific credentials and a background in biomedical research, Monarez drew concern from lawmakers for her unwillingness to challenge or clarify the administration’s sharp pivot in public health policy.
“I’ve got questions about your willingness to follow through on your values,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), voicing frustration after Monarez deflected questions about recent program cuts and the dismissal of top vaccine advisors.
Tension Around Kennedy's Influence
The hearing spotlighted growing unease over the direction of federal health agencies under Kennedy’s leadership. Senators pressed Monarez on her views about Kennedy’s decision to fire all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and his public dismissal of measles risks amid a nationwide outbreak.
“Someone can speak as a critic, but there should be someone reviewing the overwhelming evidence of the safety of vaccines,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who chairs the health committee.
While Monarez reiterated her support for vaccines—calling immunization “a vital public health tool that saves lives”—she did not say whether she disagreed with Kennedy’s actions. Instead, she described his decisions as part of “a very clear vision” for the agency.
Silence on CDC Cuts
Monarez also sidestepped accountability for deep staff reductions and the dismantling of several long-standing CDC programs earlier this year. She claimed she was not involved in the decisions but promised to protect the agency’s “core functions” and transition key operations elsewhere within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Insiders at the CDC have voiced concerns over her absence in the early months of her acting leadership. Between January and March, many agency employees say they received little communication from Monarez, raising questions about internal direction during a period of upheaval.
A Critical Crossroads for Public Health
The CDC, once a globally trusted source on disease prevention and health policy, faces what some experts are calling a credibility crisis. With a $9.2 billion budget, the agency is tasked with monitoring disease outbreaks, evaluating vaccines, and preventing chronic illness. Under new leadership, its future—and public trust—may hang in the balance.
Monarez, a microbiologist and immunologist trained at Stanford and the University of Wisconsin, has pledged to bring “evidence-based rapid decision-making” to the agency. Yet without clearly distancing herself from Kennedy’s most controversial moves, some lawmakers remain wary.
Confirmation of her nomination could restore leadership clarity at the Atlanta-based CDC, which has lacked stable direction for months. But whether that leadership will steer the agency toward science—or political compromise—remains to be seen.