public health politicization Archives - Ricky Dana for US House

A semi-realistic illustration of the CDC building under stormy skies, cracked and distressed, symbolizing political attacks on public health leadership.

By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District

Introduction
Susan Monarez’s abrupt removal as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on August 27, 2025, has plunged the agency into chaos. Her departure, forced by political pressures, signals an alarming erosion of scientific integrity in U.S. public health.

What Really Happened

Monarez, confirmed by the Senate on July 29 and sworn in July 31, lasted just under one month before being ousted. Reports indicate she resisted directives from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to change COVID-19 vaccine guidance—without consulting her scientific advisers. RFK Jr., a long-time vaccine skeptic, reportedly pressured her to resign—or face firing—for “not supporting President Trump’s agenda.”

Her lawyers pushed back, stating explicitly: “She neither resigned nor was fired,” and that her removal was a consequence of her refusal to “rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives.”

A Mass Exodus of Experience

The fallout was immediate. Three senior CDC officials—Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry, Demetre Daskalakis (director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases), and Daniel Jernigan (director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases)—resigned in protest. They cited the “weaponization of public health,” budget cuts, rising misinformation, and dangerous political interference.

Houry emphasized, “Vaccines save lives — this is an indisputable, well-established, scientific fact,” highlighting outbreaks like measles and the chilling shooting at the CDC campus that occurred amid surging vaccine mistrust.

Why It Matters

This leadership purge comes amid sweeping restructuring: the firing of CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, staff layoffs, and budget cuts. Public health experts warn this is not just a personnel shake-up—it’s a serious threat to the CDC’s mission and morale.

Michael Osterholm, a respected infectious disease researcher, described the exodus as “a serious loss for America,” undermining our preparedness for future health crises.

Trump and RFK Jr.: The Architects of This Turmoil

This entire episode underscores how public health is becoming a pawn in political strategy. RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine rhetoric and sweeping changes to science-based policy have already shaken trust. Trump’s backing of Monarez’s removal furthers the erosion of public confidence in health institutions.

Monarez’s fate is a stark example of what happens when political alignment takes priority over expertise—when protecting the public yields to pleasing an agenda. Science cannot flourish in such an environment, and Americans pay the price.

Conclusion

The removal of Susan Monarez—and the ensuing resignations—are not just headlines. They are the wake-up call that our health infrastructure is being hollowed out. When politics trumps science, lives are at risk. Leaders like Monarez who stand for evidence over expedience deserve more than silent dismissal—they deserve our support.