Appoints Susan Monarez as Permanent Director of the C.D.C.

President Donald Trump has appointed Susan Monarez, the current interim director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), to permanently lead the agency. Monarez, an expert in infectious diseases, would become the first non-medically trained person to head the agency in over 50 years.

Withdrawal of Dave Weldon’s Nomination

Just before his confirmation hearing, Trump withdrew the initial nomination of Dave Weldon. The decision was due to a lack of Republican support in the Senate, as Weldon failed to present a convincing strategy for the agency.

Dr. Monarez and Her Focus on Public Health

“Americans have lost trust in the C.D.C. due to political bias and disastrous management,” Trump wrote on TruthSocial. He added that Monarez would work alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the chronic disease crisis and restore the institution’s transparency.

Monarez’s Background at the C.D.C.

Monarez assumed the interim role shortly after Trump took office in January. Her position had been temporary while waiting for Weldon’s confirmation. However, following the withdrawal of Weldon’s nomination, the White House has confirmed Monarez’s intention to take on the permanent leadership.

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Reaction from the Medical Community

Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, emphasized that Monarez has a strong reputation as an infectious disease expert and is known for her ability to collaborate with the medical community. “She understands public health and the role of government in this field,” he said.

Challenges During Her Interim Tenure

Despite her appointment, Susan Monarez has been criticized for her absence from general meetings and lack of communication with C.D.C. staff. Several agency members cited uncertainty and a lack of clear guidelines during her interim leadership.

Controversial Policies Under Her Leadership

Monarez has also faced criticism for not challenging the Trump administration’s orders to remove terms like “L.G.B.T.Q.” and “transgender” from the C.D.C.’s website. Internal sources claim she did not attempt to retain the relevant information, sparking controversy among employees and human rights advocates.