Susan Monarez was removed as director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) less than a month after her Senate confirmation in July 2025. The Department of Health and Human Services announced her departure but did not give a reason. Monarez’s lawyers said she has not resigned or been officially fired and is challenging the removal. They claim she was targeted for refusing to support unscientific policies. After her ouster, at least three other senior CDC leaders resigned, including heads of key disease centers. Monarez was the first CDC director in 50 years without a medical degree and had supported staff after a shooting at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta. The agency is facing internal conflicts and leadership changes amid controversies over vaccine policies under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Updated 28 Aug 2025, 07:50 IST; source: link)