Trump nominates Susan Monarez for CDC director, elevating from acting role
President Trump has made a significant decision to nominate Susan Monarez as the new head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a role she has been serving in as an acting capacity in recent months. This nomination comes after the withdrawal of Dr. David Weldon’s nomination due to concerns over Senate confirmation.
Monarez, a dedicated public servant and mother, has been chosen by President Trump to restore confidence in the CDC, which has been marred by political bias and mismanagement. The announcement was made on Truth Social, the president’s preferred social media platform.
Beating out other contenders such as Michael Burgess and Joseph Ladapo, Monarez is set to become the first CDC director to undergo a Senate confirmation process. This change was passed by Congress in 2022, marking a shift from previous directors who were appointed by the president without confirmation.
Having served as the CDC’s acting head since January, Monarez brings a unique perspective to the role with her background as the former deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. Her unconventional pick has raised eyebrows, as previous interim directors have typically come from within the CDC’s career ranks and have been medical doctors.
White House officials have expressed their determination to “get it right” with the new pick, with reports suggesting that Monarez has garnered support from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Meetings in Washington, D.C., have been held to discuss the transition and the agency’s future under Monarez’s leadership.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, has expressed his support for Monarez and looks forward to learning more about her vision for the agency. However, questions are likely to be raised about Monarez’s involvement in controversial decisions at the CDC, including undermining the agency’s independence and delaying crucial vaccine advisory meetings.
With the CDC facing various health threats, including a rise in measles cases and staffing cuts, Monarez will need to address these challenges head-on. Her stance on critical issues such as vaccine safety and disease outbreaks will be scrutinized during the confirmation process.
As Monarez prepares to take on this pivotal role, her leadership and decision-making will be closely monitored by lawmakers, health experts, and the public. The future of the CDC under her direction remains uncertain, but her appointment signals a new chapter in the agency’s history.
