U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressured former CDC Director Susan Monarez to approve changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without reviewing scientific evidence, Monarez told a Senate panel Wednesday. She said Kennedy insisted she commit to pre-approving recommendations from the CDC’s vaccine advisory board and fire staff overseeing vaccine policy. Monarez refused, and days later, President Donald Trump dismissed her after just 29 days in the role.
Monarez, a microbiologist and immunologist with nearly two decades of federal service, was the first CDC director confirmed by the Senate. She testified that Kennedy told her “there was no science” supporting the current vaccine schedule and that if she did not comply, she should resign. He also barred her from speaking with Senators. Kennedy, however, denied demanding pre-approval during a Senate Finance Committee hearing earlier this month.
Her ousting triggered the resignation of four senior CDC officials, who cited Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and misinformation. Critics, including medical professionals, have called for Kennedy to step down, warning his policies undermine public health. Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate health committee, said the firing raised questions about why someone with “unimpeachable scientific credentials” was pushed out so quickly.
Kennedy has reshaped the CDC’s vaccine advisory board, replacing all 17 members with 12 new appointees. Experts warn that upcoming votes on childhood vaccines lack the usual scientific rigor, since key work group meetings have not been held. Cassidy cautioned Americans against trusting potential changes to the vaccine schedule. Kennedy has already narrowed eligibility for COVID-19 shots and cut funding for mRNA vaccine research, deepening concerns over U.S. vaccination policy.