Politics

Sanders Demands Probe: Will the CDC Shakeup Expose Kennedy’s Policies?

Sanders demands investigation into CDC director Monarez’s removal, citing “unscientific directives.” White House defends the ouster.

byEditorial Staff

August 29, 2025, 10:19 AM

CDC's Roybal campus in Atlanta, Georgia. By James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Executive Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders called for a bipartisan investigation into the “reckless” and “dangerous” removal of CDC Director Susan Monarez, urging a hearing with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and departing officials.

Susan Monarez’s attorney stated she was removed for refusing to “rubber-stamp unscientific directives,” an action that follows the departure of four other high-level CDC officials who allegedly claimed the administration was “weaponizing public health.”

The White House defended Monarez’s ouster, citing a commitment to restoring trust and transparency at the CDC, while Senator Bill Cassidy also called for oversight and postponed a key HHS advisory committee meeting.

The Story So Far

The recent removal of CDC Director Susan Monarez, shortly after her Senate confirmation, stems from her alleged refusal to comply with “unscientific directives” from the administration, leading to bipartisan calls for investigation. This incident is part of a broader pattern of concern, with other high-level officials also departing and alleging the administration is “weaponizing public health,” particularly under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership, who faces accusations of narrowing vaccine eligibility and spreading misinformation. The administration defends these actions by asserting its commitment to restoring trust and transparency at the agency.

Why This Matters

The abrupt removal of the CDC director and other high-level officials, amidst allegations of refusal to comply with “unscientific directives” and “weaponizing public health,” signals a potential politicization of the agency that could undermine its scientific integrity and public trust, prompting bipartisan calls for immediate congressional oversight and accountability.

Who Thinks What?

Senator Bernie Sanders called for a bipartisan investigation into the removal of Susan Monarez, criticizing the decision as “reckless” and “dangerous” and highlighting concerns about “unscientific directives” and misinformation regarding vaccine safety.

Susan Monarez, through her attorney, stated she refused to comply with “unscientific directives,” an assertion reportedly shared by other departing CDC officials who claim the administration is “weaponizing public health.”

The White House defended the decision to remove Monarez, asserting its commitment to restoring trust, transparency, and the CDC’s core mission.

Senator Bernie Sanders has called for a bipartisan investigation into the recent removal of Susan Monarez as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), criticizing the administration’s decision as “reckless” and “dangerous.” Monarez, who was recently confirmed by the Senate, was removed from her position on Wednesday, with her attorney stating she refused to comply with “unscientific directives.” The White House has defended the ouster, asserting a commitment to restoring trust and transparency at the agency.

Calls for Investigation and Oversight

Sanders emphasized the need for leaders at the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) who are committed to improving public health and upholding scientific principles. He urged Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician who played a pivotal role in Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation, to immediately convene a hearing.

This proposed hearing would compel Secretary Kennedy, Monarez, and other departing CDC officials to testify. Sanders highlighted his concerns regarding Secretary Kennedy’s policies, including the narrowing of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and the alleged spread of misinformation about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Departures and Allegations

Susan Monarez’s attorney, Mark Zaid, stated on her behalf that she was not fired and would not resign, asserting that she refused to “rubber-stamp unscientific directives.” Her removal on Wednesday came shortly after her Senate confirmation.

In addition to Monarez, four other high-level CDC officials have reportedly departed their positions. These officials have allegedly stated that the administration was “weaponizing public health.”

Administration’s Defense and Congressional Response

The White House defended the decision to remove Monarez, indicating that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would soon name a replacement. The administration underscored its commitment to restoring trust, transparency, and the CDC’s core mission.

Senator Bill Cassidy initially called for oversight into the situation. He subsequently urged the indefinite postponement of a September 18 meeting of the HHS’s advisory committee on immunization practices, signaling a broader concern about the agency’s direction.

The controversy surrounding Monarez’s departure and the broader allegations of political interference in public health agencies underscore a growing demand for transparency and accountability from both sides of the political aisle.