CDC Immunization Director Demetre Daskalakis Resigns Amid Leadership Turmoil, Policy Criticism

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and a prominent infectious disease expert, resigned in protest against the Trump administration's handling of public health policies, particularly criticizing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s influence. Daskalakis condemned the administration for ignoring scientific data, manipulating information for political ends, and sidelining CDC experts in vaccine policy decisions, especially regarding recent changes to immunization schedules for children and adults. He also criticized Kennedy's promotion of misinformation and pseudoscience, which he believes has damaged public health and contributed to a hostile environment culminating in a deadly shooting at the CDC headquarters. Despite the violence, Daskalakis emphasized his resignation was due to the administration's radical non-transparency and the failure to base policies on scientific realities. His departure reflects broader turmoil within the CDC, including reports of firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and other resignations amid vaccine policy disputes. Daskalakis framed his resignation as a stand for scientific integrity and public health against what he describes as a politicized and harmful leadership approach.