White House Defends Firing as CDC Director Refuses to Quit Amid Agency Resignations

President Donald Trump has fired Susan Monarez, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after she reportedly refused to follow directives from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly regarding vaccine policy. Monarez's legal team claims she was targeted for refusing to endorse what they call 'unscientific, reckless directives' and is currently challenging her dismissal, arguing that only President Trump can remove her from the position. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the firing, emphasizing that public officials must align with the president's agenda and warning others against resisting Trump's authority. Monarez was confirmed by the Senate just weeks prior, making the rapid dismissal a highly unusual and contentious move within public health circles. The dispute has led to an unprecedented standoff between the CDC and the White House and reportedly triggered a mass exodus of CDC leaders. The administration asserts it remains committed to restoring trust and transparency at the CDC by appointing leadership aligned with its mission to protect Americans from diseases.