CDC leaders resign after RFK Jr. moves to fire director Susan Monarez

By Selena Simmons-Duffin,

Mary Louise Kelly

Published August 28, 2025 at 5:23 PM EDT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be facing a huge leadership vacuum, as Director Susan Monarez is forced out by RFK Jr. and the Trump administration.

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Selena Simmons-Duffin reports on health policy for NPR.

See stories by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

See stories by Mary Louise Kelly

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

The Commonwealth

Six more eastern Kentucky counties join the ranks of Recovery Ready Communities

Stan Ingold

A total of 31 counties in the commonwealth are now certified as Recovery Ready Communities
Lexington/Richmond

New FDA COVID guidelines worry Lexington pediatrician

John McGary

The Food and Drug Administration is limiting the number of people who qualify for COVID-19 vaccinations.
NPR News

Middle schoolers are lauded for protecting younger kids during church shooting

Bill Chappell

Two children were killed, and 18 children between the ages 6 and 15 were injured by a shooter. Middle schoolers acted heroically to protect others, a parent said.
NPR News

Federal judge says Kari Lake can't fire Voice of America director

David Folkenflik

A federal judge has ruled that Trump administration official Kari Lake can't unilaterally fire the director of Voice of America.
Trump administration argues that more roads would help against wildfires

Nathan Rott

The Trump administration is citing wildfire suppression as the reason it's seeking to undo the Roadless Rule. Science suggests more roads will cause more fires.