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ATLANTA — President Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Dr. Susan Monarez as the permanent director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), following the withdrawal of his initial nominee, Dr. Dave Weldon. Monarez will be the first nonphysician to lead the agency in more than 50 years if confirmed by the Senate.
Monarez, 50, currently serves as the CDC’s acting director. She holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Before joining the CDC, she was deputy director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), where she played a key role in advancing artificial intelligence and biomedical innovation. Her career has also included positions at the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Security Council, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump praised Monarez in a statement, describing her as “an incredible mother and dedicated public servant” who will help restore public confidence in the CDC. “Americans have lost confidence in the CDC due to political bias and disastrous mismanagement,” Trump said, adding that Monarez would work closely with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address public health concerns and strengthen the agency’s accountability.
Monarez’s nomination comes after the White House withdrew Dr. Weldon’s name from consideration, reportedly due to concerns over his vaccine skepticism. Weldon’s ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of childhood vaccines, raised alarm among lawmakers and public health officials.
Although Monarez has been considered a more moderate choice, her leadership has drawn mixed reactions. Some public health experts have lauded her qualifications. Speaking to Fox 5 Atlanta, Dr. Georges Benjamin, the American Public Health Association executive director, emphasized her strong scientific background and leadership experience. “She has several solid attributes: strong respect for science-based decision making, has successfully worked in government, has managed programs in complex environments and is an expert in infectious disease,” Benjamin said.
However, concerns persist within the CDC. Current and former employees have questioned her visibility and leadership style, according to CNN. Some staff members claim she has been largely absent from the agency’s headquarters in Atlanta, instead operating as a conduit for directives from the Department of Health and Human Services. One anonymous senior official described her as a “placeholder” rather than a strong advocate for the agency’s needs.
Monarez will take charge of the CDC at a critical juncture if confirmed. The agency has faced significant upheaval amid ongoing federal restructuring efforts, including layoffs and funding cuts. The White House has signaled plans for further reductions, which could impact vital public health programs.
Additionally, Monarez will need to navigate tensions surrounding public trust in the CDC. The agency has been at the center of political debates on vaccine policy, disease prevention strategies, and data transparency. Her ability to restore confidence in the institution will be a key test of her leadership.
Monarez’s nomination has now been moved to the Senate for confirmation, where lawmakers will scrutinize her record and vision for the CDC. As the agency braces for potential funding cuts and structural changes, all eyes will be on how Monarez approaches the challenges ahead.
