Former CDC Director Testifies on Controversial Firing
On September 17, 2025, Susan Monares, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified before a Senate committee in Washington, D.C. This occurred just 29 days after she was dismissed from her position.
Nominated earlier in the year by President Donald Trump and confirmed by a narrow Senate vote in July, Monares became a focal point in the public health discussion recently, largely due to her refusal to resign.
During her late August testimony, she revealed that Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had told her she needed to approve future vaccine recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices without reviewing the necessary data. “He also instructed me to dismiss career staff responsible for vaccine policy without reason,” Monares stated. “He said I should resign if I wasn’t willing to comply.” She emphasized her commitment to reviewing the evidence before making any approvals.
In her testimony before the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, she conveyed to Kennedy that he could proceed with firing her if he didn’t have confidence in her judgment.
During the same late August meeting, she mentioned that Kennedy announced changes to the childhood vaccine schedule for September and expected her to support it. “We were caught up in an exchange that implied I might consider changing the childhood vaccine schedule if evidence supported it,” she said. “He responded, stating there was no science or evidence related to that schedule.”
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet in Atlanta, Georgia, soon to discuss vaccine recommendations.
Kennedy previously testified before another Senate committee, asserting that he had requested input from CDC staff but insisted he never directed Monares to approve recommendations without further review.
Concerns Over Vaccine Safety
Monares expressed worries that undermining vaccine safety could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases. “I believe that diseases like polio, measles, and diphtheria will harm children, especially when they don’t need to suffer,” she warned.
Dr. Debra Howey, a former Chief Medical Officer at the CDC, echoed Monares’ concerns, stating that the newly appointed members of the Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices, appointed by Kennedy, could significantly affect the committee’s recommendations if they disregard scientific data. “It’s going to be heartbreaking,” she said, acknowledging past tragedies linked to vaccine-preventable diseases.
Monales and Howey, both responding to questions from Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, highlighted the real-world impact of confusion surrounding vaccine recommendations. “I felt threatened,” Monares said, voicing her deep concern that misinformation could further endanger children’s health.
Howey referenced a traumatic incident where a gunman fired at the CDC headquarters, causing significant distress among staff and impacting conversations about vaccine safety.
Questions Surrounding Accountability
The committee chair, Senator Bill Cassidy, expressed a desire to invite Kennedy and other HHS officials to address the issues raised. He noted the unusual circumstances surrounding Monares’ quick dismissal from a position for which she was nominated by Trump.
“As senators, we have to reflect on whether we’ve overlooked something,” Cassidy remarked, suggesting the need for accountability.
In contrast, Senator Bernie Sanders posited that Monares’ termination stemmed from her refusal to comply with demands that compromised vaccine safety for political agendas.
Hearing Moments of Confusion
Amid serious discussions, there were unsettling moments, such as Senator Ashley Moody questioning Monares about discussions she had with Cassidy that seemed inappropriate. Cassidy felt compelled to clarify that it was perfectly acceptable for Monares to raise her concerns through his office.
Another confusing exchange arose when Senator Mark Wayne Mulin claimed to have recorded a meeting with Kennedy, leading Cassidy to request clarity regarding the existence of any recordings.
Monares’ Legal Representation
Some GOP senators queried Monares about her choice of legal counsel, particularly Mark Zaid, who has publicly criticized Trump. Monares explained that she selected Zaid for his expertise and had no discussions about politics with him. “I just wanted to be well-prepared for this hearing and understand what would happen next,” she stated.
