Nine former directors and acting directors at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a joint New York Times guest essay, accusing him of undermining the agency’s public health infrastructure and endangering America’s population through his actions. The essay, released on Monday, was authored by prominent figures such as William Foege, Mandy K. Cohen, and Anne Schuchat, who spanned multiple administrations. These former officials claim that Kennedy’s decision to fire Dr. Susan Monarez, the CDC director, after she refused to limit vaccine availability, represents an unprecedented departure and poses significant risks to the nation’s health.
Monarez, who was confirmed as the CDC director just a month prior, reportedly resisted directives to restrict the availability of certain vaccines, including those for COVID-19. This led to her removal from the position, which the former officials argue is a direct consequence of Kennedy’s push for vaccine skepticism and his rejection of established scientific consensus. The group also criticized the secretary for appointing unqualified individuals to federal health advisory committees, which they claim has further weakened public health systems and endangered communities with limited access to essential medical services.
Alongside Monarez, four other top CDC officials resigned in protest, citing the agency’s deteriorating state under Kennedy. The resignations, combined with hundreds of employees walking out of the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters last month, underscore the deepening crisis at the agency. The officials warned that Kennedy’s policies, including cuts to vital health programs and his focus on unproven treatments, could leave the nation ill-prepared for public health emergencies. They pointed to the recent resurgence of measles in the U.S. as an example of the dangers posed by his unscientific approach.
The critique extended to the broader implications of Kennedy’s decisions, including the removal of U.S. support for global vaccination programs and the justification of these actions through flawed research. The former CDC leaders also warned that his support for federal legislation threatening Medicaid coverage could have long-term negative effects on low-income Americans and people with disabilities. These developments have sparked public concerns, particularly among vulnerable groups, and have drawn condemnation from other public figures, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has called for Kennedy to resign over his stance on vaccines and conspiracy theories.
Kennedy’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the public backlash highlights the significant impact of his policies on public health. As the situation continues to unfold, the debate over vaccine safety and the role of public health agencies remains a central issue in ongoing political discourse.