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Chaos at the CDC, Director Susan Monarez fired by Trump

The White House: ‘Not aligned with Trump’s health agenda.’ Chain resignations among executives

WASHINGTON – Less than a month after her appointment, Susan Monarez has been removed from her position as director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The decision came directly from the White House, which justified the dismissal on the grounds that the director did not adhere to the administration’s political line.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the clash between Monarez and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was mainly over vaccination policy. The director reportedly opposed directives deemed ‘unscientific’ and the dismissal of some health experts, thus drawing criticism from the executive branch.

White House spokesman Kush Desai explained that the removal came after Monarez refused to resign voluntarily: “Susan Monarez is not aligned with the president’s Making America Healthy Again agenda”.

The director’s lawyers contested the manner of the notification, which took place overnight via a personnel office official, but acknowledged that dismissal is a presidential prerogative. “She chose to protect people instead of following a political agenda, which is why she was targeted,” her lawyers said.

The case has already led to a string of resignations: among the executives who have left the CDC is Debra Houry, along with two other senior officials.

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