Senate Confirms Susan Monarez as CDC Director

The Senate confirmed Susan Monarez, a microbiologist and immunologist, as CDC director in a 51-47 party-line vote, making her the first to require Senate confirmation under a 2023 law. Monarez was President Trump's second nominee after David Weldon withdrew amid controversy. She assumes leadership of the CDC during a period of steep budget cuts—up to 40% proposed by the Trump administration—major staff losses, and disputes over vaccine policy led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy's actions, including firing the CDC's vaccine advisory panel and changing vaccine recommendations, have drawn criticism from public health experts. Some Democrats opposed Monarez's nomination, citing concerns about her willingness to challenge Kennedy and uphold CDC scientific integrity. Despite these challenges, Monarez is viewed as a pragmatic leader expected to help stabilize the agency.