Demetre Daskarakis, who previously served as the deputy coordinator for Monkeypox Response under former President Biden, has had quite the journey at the CDC. Over his five years there, he took on different leadership roles, particularly focusing on sexual health issues.

On August 28, Daskarakis shared that he was “lovingly escorted” from the CDC campus by a close colleague, implying a mix of affection and sadness about his departure. It’s interesting to note that he’s often talked about how joy, love, and even the more unsettling aspects of sexually transmitted diseases are all part of the conversation in public health.

He explained in an interview that the Biden administration aimed to promote people’s joy—rather than framing experiences purely in terms of risk. “One person’s idea of risk can be someone else’s great festival,” he mentioned during a 2023 broadcast, promoting a dialogue that supports positive experiences.

Another interviewer praised Daskarakis for his bold perspective on managing disease control, notably highlighting how the CDC’s recent communications about Monkeypox have become more candid and relevant. He noted the importance of discussing adult themes and making public health guidance culturally aware.

Daskarakis also talked about transforming the conversation surrounding sexual health over the last few years, focusing on happiness rather than restrictive standards. However, he expressed concerns about the CDC losing its clarity on these vital issues, particularly in light of recent leadership changes. He questioned whether the data being presented accurately reflects reality, fearing that it might influence policy decisions negatively.

In an intriguing turn, Daskarakis suggested that Americans should be cautious regarding the information coming from federal agencies, implying a troubling level of transparency. He affirmed this skepticism when asked about people’s need to question advice from institutions meant to protect them.

While many may have arrived at this conclusion long before 2025, it’s telling that Daskarakis is now openly advocating for such skepticism. A colleague at HHS remarked that anyone at the CDC aiming to defend the status quo would likely have to resign if they didn’t align with necessary reforms.

On top of that, criticisms arose about the CDC’s significant spending on vaccination campaigns, particularly those perceived as misleading related to COVID-19. Daskarakis’ resignation seems to offer a way forward for all involved—less government waste on one side, and for him, perhaps a chance to enjoy more of those Friday nights.