Former CDC Leaders Slam RFK Jr. Over Leadership and Firing of Director

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In a sharply worded op-ed published Monday in The New York Times, nine former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saying his actions are putting Americans’ health at serious risk.

The former CDC leaders, who served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, condemned Kennedy’s decision to fire CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez just weeks after her Senate confirmation. They described the move as unprecedented and warned that it could undermine the agency's ability to protect public health.

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Concerns About Political Interference

“What Secretary Kennedy has done to the CDC and the broader public health system is something we've never witnessed before,” the authors wrote. They cited the dismissal of Dr. Monarez, recent resignations of top CDC officials, and cuts to research funding as deeply concerning developments.

Kennedy’s controversial leadership, the op-ed argues, has disrupted the agency’s ability to operate independently, particularly in areas like vaccine policy and disease prevention. They also highlighted his decision to replace members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee as part of what they see as a broader political agenda.

Fallout from Monarez’s Firing

Dr. Monarez was removed from her post less than a month after her confirmation — a move that legal experts say may not be valid. Her departure has triggered resignations from other senior CDC officials, many of whom expressed frustration with the administration’s stance on vaccines and public health policy.

"Removing Dr. Monarez only escalates an already dangerous situation," the former directors wrote. “We commend her for standing up for science, the agency, and the health of our communities.”

They warned that losing experienced leadership will make it far harder for the CDC to respond effectively to public health threats.

Growing Scrutiny from Congress

Lawmakers are now pressing for answers. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and chair of the Senate Health Committee, has called on the Department of Health and Human Services to delay its upcoming vaccine advisory meeting, scheduled for September 18.

Cassidy, who played a key role in Kennedy’s confirmation earlier this year, said the recent resignations demand congressional oversight. When asked if he regretted supporting Kennedy, Cassidy responded, “This is about protecting children’s health. We need full transparency to understand what's going on.”

Kennedy Defends Actions

In a Fox News interview, Kennedy declined to discuss the firings directly but criticized the CDC’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the agency needs a reset, calling for stronger leadership to carry out President Trump’s healthcare vision.

“There’s a deep-rooted dysfunction in the CDC,” Kennedy said. “We need someone who can fix it and execute the president’s goals.”

Public Health Experts Alarmed

Dr. Céline Gounder, a public health expert and CBS News contributor, said the former directors’ op-ed was clearly triggered by Monarez’s ousting. But the broader message, she emphasized, is about the growing role of politics in public health decisions.

Gounder pointed to ongoing measles outbreaks, the weakening of vaccine programs, and continued staffing cuts across HHS as signs that trust in the nation’s health infrastructure is being eroded.

“These actions are shaking public confidence in some of the most essential parts of our healthcare system,” she said on CBS Mornings Plus.

Kennedy is scheduled to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday to discuss the administration’s health policy agenda.