In a landmark decision, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Susan Monarez as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on July 29, 2025, with a narrow 51–47 vote. Her confirmation marks the first time a CDC director has required Senate approval, which was instituted in 2023 to increase oversight of federal health leadership.
Monarez, who had served as Acting Director since January, stepped in after former nominee David Weldon withdrew amid controversy. Her elevation comes at a critical juncture for the CDC, which is facing intense scrutiny over its authority, transparency, and funding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and a broader federal health policy overhaul.
A Scientist at the Helm
Dr. Susan Monarez brings an extensive scientific and policy background to the CDC. She holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed postdoctoral research at Stanford. Before her CDC tenure, she held key roles at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Security Council, and was Deputy Director at ARPA-H.
Notably, Monarez is the first CDC director without an M.D. in decades, signaling a shift toward policy-oriented and research-focused leadership. Supporters argue that her federal experience positions her to navigate the political and logistical complexities now facing the CDC.
Navigating a Divided Health Landscape
Susan Monarez takes the reins as the CDC grapples with massive budget cuts—up to 40%, staff reductions, and a rise in public distrust. These challenges are amplified by a measles outbreak and rising vaccine hesitancy, both of which threaten public health stability.
During her confirmation hearings, Susan Monarez pledged to restore public confidence by doubling down on science-based decision-making, modernizing public health data, and improving crisis preparedness. However, she avoided direct criticism of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose controversial moves—like revamping the CDC’s vaccine advisory board—have alarmed health experts and drawn bipartisan concern.
Senator Bernie Sanders questioned whether Monarez would push back against Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism, while Senator Bill Cassidy, Chair of the Senate Health Committee, endorsed her as a capable leader focused on public health modernization and resilience.
As she begins her full tenure, Susan Monarez inherits a CDC caught between science and politics. Her leadership will be tested by the dual burden of restoring institutional credibility and steering the agency through a period of uncertainty. Whether she can depoliticize public health while navigating shifting federal priorities remains one of the most consequential questions of her directorship.
Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/susan-monarez-cdc-director-feb87589b88c6ba7487914e4943e2229
