• Posted July 30, 2025

U.S. Senate Confirms Infection Expert as New CDC Director

After months with an appointed caretaker, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finally has an official director.

Dr. Susan Monarez, who became the agency’s acting director in March after anti-vaccine skepticism tanked President Donald Trump’s original nominee for the post, was confirmed Tuesday in a 52-47 Senate vote. 

Monarez is the first CDC director who required U.S. Senate confirmation. Her predecessors were all appointees.

"Dr. Monarez is stepping into one of the most consequential public health roles in the world at a moment of profound challenge for the CDC," a former CDC acting director, Dr. Richard Besser, said in a statement. Besser is president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a health-focused think tank.

The role could be challenging for Monarez, a microbiologist and infectious disease expert who has served in several federal health agencies over the years. 

During last month’s confirmation hearing, she distanced herself from some Trump administration directives, including proposals to eliminate programs and mass layoffs at the agency, CNN reported. 

On issues such vaccination and fluoridation of public water supplies, some of Monarez’s comments appeared to be at odds with those of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. CNN reported that she was unclear about how her leadership would affect those programs.

During the hearing, some members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee sought reassurances that she would protect the integrity of an independent panel of experts who advise the CDC on issues such as vaccination. 

Kennedy dismissed that panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, last month, citing conflicts of interest. Several of the eight newcomers he named to replace them have questioned vaccine safety.

In Tuesday’s statement, Besser said the Trump administration has "engaged in an unprecedented attack on CDC’s mission, budget and personnel."

He said Monarez must not only "lead the CDC — she must fight for it," according to CNN. 

"Our nation’s public health system depends on CDC having the tools it needs to respond to pandemics, reduce chronic disease, and address health inequities that continue to leave too many communities behind. That starts with a director willing to speak the truth, defend science, and stand up for the health of every American."

The agency applauded Monarez’ confirmation on social media.

"She brings decades of distinguished experience in health innovation, disaster preparedness, global health, and biosecurity to @CDCgov," it posted Tuesday. "Dr. Monarez will lead @CDCgov’s efforts to prevent disease and respond to domestic and global health threats."

More information

Public health policy aims are spelled out at the American Public Health Association.

SOURCE: CNN, July 29, 2025