On July 9, 2025, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee narrowly approved Susan Monarez as President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The 12–11 vote, split along party lines, moves Monarez’s nomination to the full Senate for confirmation. If confirmed, she would become the first CDC director to require Senate approval under a 2023 law and the first nonphysician to hold the role since the early 1950s.
Monarez, 50, holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and previously served as deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Her nomination follows the withdrawal of Trump’s initial pick, former Congressman Dave Weldon, whose vaccine skepticism drew bipartisan concern.
During her confirmation hearing, Monarez emphasized her commitment to vaccines and evidence-based public health measures. “I think vaccines save lives,” she stated, aligning herself with mainstream scientific consensus. However, she avoided directly addressing controversial actions by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including the dismissal of all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the appointment of vaccine skeptics in their place.
Monarez’s cautious responses drew criticism from some senators. Senator Bernie Sanders expressed concern over her reluctance to oppose Kennedy’s decisions, stating, “Unfortunately, Dr. Monarez… has done nothing to stand in the way” of Kennedy’s actions . Despite this, Monarez maintained that she was not involved in the staffing changes and pledged to ensure that the ACIP operates based on scientific evidence and proper ethical standards.
The CDC has faced significant challenges in recent months, including staff reductions, program eliminations, and shifts in vaccine policy under Kennedy’s leadership. Monarez’s nomination is seen by some as a stabilizing force amid these upheavals. Her scientific background and previous leadership roles suggest a potential to uphold the agency’s commitment to public health and scientific integrity.
The full Senate is expected to vote on Monarez’s confirmation in the coming weeks. Her leadership will be pivotal as the CDC navigates ongoing public health challenges and seeks to maintain public trust in its mission.
