The White House announced Wednesday the dismissal of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez, sparking widespread concern across both parties in Congress and the public health community. The decision is viewed as renewed support from President Trump for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Monarez had recently received Senate confirmation last month, becoming the first CDC leader without a medical degree in nearly 70 years. Sources indicate she clashed with Kennedy after refusing to implement some of his "radical vaccine policies." Monarez maintained that only the president himself could dismiss her, but was shortly thereafter notified of her termination by the White House personnel office.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the action, stating that Monarez "did not align with the president's health mission" and emphasizing that "President Trump has the authority to remove individuals who do not align with his vision."

Kennedy, formerly a prominent vaccine skeptic, has continued advocating for cuts to mRNA vaccine research funding since joining the cabinet, expressing intentions to thoroughly reform public health institutions. His policies have created internal upheaval at the CDC, with several senior officials announcing their resignations Wednesday, warning that questioning vaccine safety could endanger public health.

Capitol Hill has also voiced rare criticism. Senate Health Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, called for oversight of the CDC's personnel crisis and suggested future caution regarding vaccine recommendations from advisory panels selected by Kennedy. Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins also expressed shock.

However, Trump appears undeterred. A White House official revealed that the president "completely trusts Kennedy" and prioritized asking him about autism research during this week's cabinet meeting. Both Trump and Kennedy believe environmental factors or medications may be contributing to increased case numbers.

Currently, Kennedy is promoting his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda and recently celebrated the signing of related legislation alongside Texas Governor Abbott. When questioned by reporters, Kennedy did not directly address Monarez's dismissal but stated bluntly that the CDC has "serious problems" and requires systematic restructuring to restore its reputation.

Insiders revealed that Monarez was initially appointed partly because she was "considered capable of executing the mission without creating trouble." However, her departure further highlights that under Trump and Kennedy's leadership, America's public health system faces unprecedented political challenges.