Senate verifies Trump's appointment of Susan Monarez as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here's the lowdown.
In January 2023, Susan Monarez was appointed as the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This appointment came amidst concerns expressed by Dr. Richard Besser, the president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the CDC, regarding "attacks" on the agency from the administration.
Dr. Besser's statement emphasised the need for a director who is willing to speak the truth, defend science, and stand up for the health of every American. Monarez, who was confirmed as the director of the CDC in July 2025, is well-equipped to meet these expectations.
Monarez holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. With over two decades of experience in biomedical innovation, infectious disease research, and U.S. health policy leadership, including roles at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and the White House, Monarez brings a robust scientific and policy background to the CDC.
Her background combines scientific expertise with a commitment to public health equity and pandemic preparedness, with a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare. Raised in Wisconsin as the daughter of a farmer, Monarez emphasised during her confirmation hearings that her values and approach to science and public service were shaped by her experiences at public universities.
Monarez's confirmation occurred amid ongoing challenges, including vaccine misinformation and public concerns over vaccine safety. While specific responses from stakeholders about her confirmation are limited, the context suggests her confirmation is viewed as a move toward strengthening CDC leadership in scientific integrity and transparency after a period marked by controversy and political challenges.
Monarez's approach aligns with data transparency and pandemic readiness priorities. She expressed support for vaccines during her confirmation hearing last month, stating that she has "not seen a causal link between vaccines and autism."
As the CDC's director, Monarez will lead the organisation's efforts to prevent disease and respond to domestic and global health threats. Besser noted that Monarez "must fight" for the CDC, in addition to leading it. He stated that our nation's public health system depends on the CDC having the tools it needs to respond to pandemics, reduce chronic disease, and address health inequities.
Monarez's nomination for the permanent position at the CDC came after President Donald Trump's first pick, Dr. David Weldon, had his nomination pulled by the White House due to a lack of votes. Monarez is the first CDC director without a medical degree since 1953.
According to her biography on the CDC website, Monarez has worked on initiatives including the ethical use of artificial intelligence, addressing disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality, and improving the national organ donation and transplantation programs. The CDC wrote a congratulatory message to Monarez, praising her experience in health innovation, disaster preparedness, global health, and biosecurity.
Monarez was confirmed as the director of the CDC by a vote of 51-47. Her appointment comes at a critical time for vaccine confidence and public health, and her confirmation is broadly framed as a positive step toward restoring trust amid past vaccine safety concerns. However, explicit public or political reactions to vaccine safety issues linked directly to her confirmation are not detailed in the sources.
[1] White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. (n.d.). Susan Monarez. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/white-house-staff/susan-monarez/
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Susan Monarez. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/about/leadership/director/monarez.html
- The appointment of Susan Monarez as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2025 signifies a step towards defending science, health, and transparency, as Monarez is expected to uphold Dr. Richard Besser's statement emphasizing the need for a director who is committed to speaking the truth and promoting health for every American.
- As the director of the CDC, Monarez will lead efforts in health innovation, particularly in leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare, with an emphasis on public health equity and pandemic preparedness, aligning with the priorities of data transparency and pandemic readiness.
- The confirmation of Susan Monarez as the CDC's director in July 2025 is viewed as a positive move towards strengthening CDC leadership and restoring trust amid past vaccine safety concerns, with a focus on vaccine confidence and public health during a critical time.
