Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a prominent official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has resigned from his post, sparking widespread discussion over his use of the term ‘pregnant people’ and the inclusion of his pronouns in his resignation letter. The resignation, posted on social media, details his decision to step down from his role as Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, effective August 28, 2025. Daskalakis accused the Trump administration of targeting transgender populations and cutting critical health programming, which he cited as a major factor in his decision to leave.
In his letter, Daskalakis emphasized his long-standing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and stated that the agency’s policies now contradict scientific principles, jeopardizing public health. The use of the term ‘pregnant people,’ an inclusive and non-binary way of referring to individuals carrying a pregnancy, has drawn sharp criticism from conservative figures. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s communications director, Jeremy Redfern, expressed support for the resignation, noting that it was a victory for the Trump administration and highlighted the need for ‘basic biology’ in CDC leadership.
Other voices have also weighed in on the controversy. Karol Markowicz, a social media influencer, claimed that anyone using the term ‘pregnant people’ should not work at the CDC, calling it ‘not hard.’ Florida Governor Ron DeSantis echoed this sentiment, criticizing the Trump administration for prioritizing political narratives over scientific integrity. DeSantis argued that embracing evidence-based medicine should be the bare minimum for working at the CDC, reflecting broader frustrations with the agency’s current direction.
Daskalakis also expressed concern over the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) policies, calling the agency on a ‘dangerous’ path that risks public health. His resignation comes amid a broader political conflict at the CDC, where Director Susan Monarez has remained defiant against the Trump administration’s directives, leading to internal tensions and a growing divide over the agency’s mission and values. As the situation unfolds, the CDC faces mounting pressure to address criticisms of its policies and ensure that its actions align with both scientific consensus and public health priorities.