RFK Jr. Defends CDC Shake-Up Amid Fallout Over Firing of Director

Washington, D.C., August 28, 2025 - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed mounting criticism today after abruptly dismissing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez and prompting the resignations of four senior CDC officials. Kennedy appeared on Fox News’ Fox & Friends to defend his decision, describe the agency’s internal “malaise,” and outline next steps for oversight and reform.

In the interview, Kennedy argued that the CDC has “problems” ranging from its handling of COVID-19 testing and school closures to its emphasis on fluoridation, vaccines, and abortion in its list of top medical advances. He maintained that “strong leadership” was needed to restore the CDC to its former status as the world’s most respected public health authority. Kennedy added that “some people should not be working there anymore,” declining to comment on specific personnel matters.

The White House immediately backed Kennedy’s move. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump supports the firing, asserting Monarez was not aligned with the administration’s “vision to make America healthy again” and pledging a new CDC director would be named soon.

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) seized on the turmoil to demand greater transparency from Kennedy. Wyden called for an end to “secrecy and stonewalling” at HHS, citing unanswered questions about vaccine standards, Medicaid and ACA cuts, and conflicts of interest under Kennedy’s leadership. Kennedy is slated to testify before the committee on September 4.

Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and HELP Committee members plan a hearing next week to oversee the CDC departures and broader agency shake-up. Cassidy emphasized that “these high profile departures will require oversight,” marking the first face-to-face opportunity since Kennedy’s May budget testimony.

In separate policy actions, Kennedy announced new restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. Under the revised guidelines, individuals seeking vaccination must now consult a physician before scheduling a shot, rather than booking directly through pharmacies. The change rescinds broad emergency use authorizations and limits marketing authorization to specified age and risk groups, including adults 65 and older and younger persons with underlying conditions.

As the controversy continues, Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), called for Kennedy’s resignation or removal, accusing him of endangering public health through “unscientific” policies and the “weaponization” of science.

Kennedy’s actions have plunged the nation’s premier public health agency into its most acute crisis in decades, raising questions about the future direction of U.S. health policy as he prepares for congressional scrutiny and the appointment of new leadership at the CDC.