Susan Monarez Faces Senate Confirmation Hearings as CDC Director Nominee
Susan Monarez, President Trump's nominee for CDC director, supports vaccines but faced tough questions in her Senate confirmation hearings regarding disagreements with RFK.
Takeaways from confirmation hearing for CDC director nominee Monarez
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Susan Monarez is the first CDC director nominee requiring Senate confirmation, emphasizing her support for vaccines during the hearings.
- She sidestepped questions about her disagreements with Robert Kennedy Jr. (RFK) during the confirmation process.
- Monarez, acting CDC director since January, was nominated after Trump's initial choice was withdrawn in March.
- Senators expressed frustration over her avoidance of questions related to RFK's dismissal of a vaccine evaluation committee.
- Her confirmation could clarify leadership at the CDC, with Monarez advocating for public health interventions like immunizations.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Susan Monarez's nomination as significant, emphasizing her support for vaccines and public health. They highlight her scientific background while noting tensions during Senate hearings, reflecting skepticism towards her responses. The coverage suggests a cautious optimism about her potential to stabilize the CDC amid political controversies.
Susan Monarez, President Trump's nominee for Director of the CDC, supports vaccines and is expected to lead the organization.
Monarez has not found evidence of a causal link between vaccines and autism.
Monarez is the first CDC director nominee to need Senate confirmation.
Monarez denied involvement in decisions to cut staff and eliminate CDC programs earlier this year.
Monarez strongly supports public health interventions, particularly immunizations, stating that vaccines save lives.
Articles (4)
Center (3)
"…Monarez said she would prioritize vaccine availability if confirmed."
USA TODAY·6d·"…Monarez appeared to walk a fine line -- supporting her future boss, Kennedy, while also answering to Democrats who pushed her to denounce actions that have been controversial in the public health sphere."
ABC News·6d·"…Monarez vowed to prioritize innovation, “evidence-based rapid decision-making” and clear communication at the $9.2 billion agency tasked with evaluating vaccines, monitoring diseases and watching for threats to Americans’ health."
Associated Press·6d·FAQ
Susan Monarez holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology and has over 20 years of experience in government public health and biomedical research roles. She is acting CDC director since January 2025 and was nominated by President Trump to permanently lead the agency. Notably, she would be the first CDC director in over 70 years without a medical degree but is recognized for her data-driven approach to public health leadership.
During her Senate confirmation hearings, Susan Monarez faced tough questions regarding her disagreements with Robert Kennedy Jr., particularly related to his dismissal of a vaccine evaluation committee. Senators expressed frustration over her avoidance of answering questions about these disagreements, which raised concerns about transparency and vaccine policy at the CDC.
Susan Monarez differs from most recent CDC directors as she does not hold a medical degree, unlike her predecessors. Instead, she has a doctorate in microbiology and immunology and extensive experience in government roles related to public health, biomedical research, and pandemic preparedness. Her expertise lies in data-driven public health policy rather than clinical medicine.
Susan Monarez advocates for prioritizing public health interventions such as immunizations and disease prevention. She emphasizes accountability, high standards, and evidence-based health policies, focusing on pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, and ethical use of technology in healthcare.
Susan Monarez was nominated after President Trump's initial choice, Dave Weldon, M.D., a former legislator with controversial vaccine views, was withdrawn due to pushback. Monarez was selected as a steady, experienced leader already serving as acting CDC director, capable of guiding the agency through a period of transition and leadership uncertainty.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.