Summary
There has been turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the removal of its director, Susan Monarez, and the appointment of Jim O'Neill as the acting director. Several top leaders at the CDC have resigned in protest after these changes.
Key Facts
- Susan Monarez was confirmed as CDC Director at the end of July but was forced out this week.
- Attorneys for Monarez claim she was removed for rejecting directives they considered unscientific.
- Jim O'Neill, the new acting director, is also serving as a deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- O'Neill has a background in investment and does not have a medical or scientific degree.
- Dr. Deb Houry, the chief medical officer of the CDC, resigned in response to Monarez's dismissal.
- Two other CDC leaders, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and Dr. Dan Jernigan, also resigned.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of HHS, was reportedly involved in the changes at the CDC.
