Susan Monarez Confirmed as CDC Director by Senate/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The U.S. Senate has confirmed Susan Monarez as CDC director under President Donald Trump. Her appointment comes amid controversy surrounding vaccine policies led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Monarez replaces David Weldon, bringing experience in biosecurity and health technology.
Susan Monarez CDC Confirmation – Quick Looks
- Susan Monarez confirmed by a 51-47 Senate vote as CDC director.
- She becomes the first to hold the role under new 2023 confirmation laws.
- Monarez was acting director since January and nominated in March 2025.
- Trump’s original pick, David Weldon, was abruptly withdrawn.
- Her appointment follows vaccine policy turmoil under Health Secretary RFK Jr.
- Monarez stressed scientific rigor but avoided direct answers on RFK’s influence.
- She holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and did research at Stanford.
- Monarez brings experience in biosecurity and health technology sectors.
Deep Look: Senate Confirms Susan Monarez as CDC Director Amid Vaccine Policy Upheaval
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate officially confirmed Susan Monarez as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday, solidifying her leadership at a time when the agency faces internal turbulence and public scrutiny.
In a narrow 51-47 vote, Monarez became the first CDC director to be confirmed under a 2023 law that subjects the role to Senate approval. Her appointment marks a significant step in President Donald Trump’s reshaping of the nation’s public health infrastructure.
A Controversial Path to Confirmation
Monarez, 50, was appointed acting CDC director in January 2025 following the sudden withdrawal of Trump’s original nominee, David Weldon. Her official nomination came in March as the Trump administration navigated backlash over vaccine policy changes introduced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Monarez expressed support for vaccines and the importance of science-based decision-making. However, she largely sidestepped questions about her working relationship with Kennedy, an outspoken antivaccine activist who has clashed with CDC’s historic positions on immunization.
Despite bipartisan concern over political interference in CDC science, Monarez’s credentials and calm demeanor helped her narrowly secure confirmation.
Strong Academic and Government Background
Monarez holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford University. Before her time at the CDC, she built a reputation in the federal government through roles in biosecurity, health technology, and biodefense policy, including work with the Department of Homeland Security and National Institutes of Health.
Her career reflects a blend of technical expertise and bureaucratic navigation, qualities seen as essential given the current state of the CDC.
A Challenging Era at CDC
The CDC, headquartered in Atlanta, has faced severe staffing cuts, resignations, and intense debate over its changing guidance on vaccines and public health protocols. These shifts followed Kennedy’s ascent within Trump’s cabinet, which has pushed for broader “health freedom” initiatives that critics say undermine proven scientific practices.
Monarez now inherits an agency tasked with rebuilding public trust, overseeing pandemic preparedness, and restoring morale among career scientists. Her confirmation signals a potential pivot to stabilize CDC leadership — even as larger policy battles rage on.
Political Reactions and What Comes Next
Reaction to Monarez’s confirmation was mixed. Senate Democrats voiced concerns about the influence of RFK Jr., but many acknowledged Monarez’s qualifications.
“While we are deeply concerned about the administration’s agenda, Dr. Monarez’s experience cannot be ignored,” said one Senate Democrat who voted in favor.
In contrast, some Republicans praised her technocratic credentials and called for “restoring balance to CDC’s mission.”
Now formally at the helm, Monarez will need to navigate a politically charged health landscape, make decisions about future vaccine campaigns, and handle pandemic response readiness — all while maintaining CDC credibility with the public and Congress.
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