Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has issued a public call for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign as the Health and Human Services Secretary following a significant exodus of senior officials from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This resignation wave was primarily triggered by the Trump administration’s removal of CDC Director Susan Monarez, who stepped down shortly after being confirmed, due to her refusal to comply with Kennedy’s directives regarding vaccine availability. This incident has sparked bipartisan outrage, with Sanders leading critical calls for transparency and an investigation into Monarez’s removal.
Kennedy’s policies, which advocate for anti-vaccine measures and promote conspiracy theories, have been a point of contention. The Trump administration has defended Monarez’s dismissal, asserting the president’s authority to remove individuals who do not align with his mission. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to restoring trust and accountability within the CDC while maintaining its core mission of public health protection. However, Sanders has criticized the move as reckless and dangerous, arguing that Kennedy’s actions are jeopardizing public health and scientific integrity.
Amid the controversy, hundreds of CDC workers have walked out of the agency’s Atlanta headquarters, supporting their former colleagues. Additionally, four senior officials resigned in protest after Monarez’s departure, highlighting the growing discontent within the agency. Sanders, who opposed Kennedy’s confirmation earlier this year, has emphasized the importance of appointing a health secretary and CDC director who prioritize public health over conspiracy-driven policies, warning of the potential resurgence of preventable diseases if Kennedy remains in his role.