URGENT: CDC Director Under Fire, Testifies on Shocking Firing Reasons

BREAKING NEWS CDC Director Susan Monarez Testifies on Firing, Claims Pressure to Pre-Approve Vaccine Recommendations Washington D.C., September 17, 2025 - Former CDC Director Susan Monarez testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions today, revealing she was fired last month for refusing to pre-approve vaccine recommendations. According to Monarez, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanded she fire career scientists and replace evidence-based policy with ideology. Monarez's testimony comes after a Wall Street Journal op-ed and congressional hearing where Kennedy claimed she was ousted due to her lack of experience as a "true leader." However, Monarez firmly rejected these claims, stating, "Vaccine policy should be guided by evidence and credible science." The immediate impact of Monarez's testimony is that it sheds light on the alleged pressure from Health Secretary Kennedy to manipulate vaccine recommendations. This development raises concerns about the integrity of public health decision-making at the CDC. Background context: Susan Monarez was appointed as CDC Director in January 2025, but her tenure lasted only a few months before she was abruptly fired by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The exact reasons for her departure were unclear until today's testimony. The current status is that Monarez's testimony has sparked outrage and calls for transparency from lawmakers and public health experts. Next developments are expected to include further congressional hearings and potential investigations into the alleged pressure on CDC officials. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*