President Donald Trump is making significant changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tapping a seasoned health professional with extensive government experience. The nomination of Dr. Susan Monarez signals a renewed focus on science-based leadership at the crucial public health agency. She’s a figurative bomb in the system, and she’s going to gut the place and clean it up – DOGE style!
At a glance:
• President Trump will nominate Dr. Susan Monarez as permanent CDC Director
• Monarez has been serving as the CDC’s Acting Director since January 2025
• She holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin
• Trump withdrew his previous nominee, David Weldon, due to insufficient confirmation votes
• Monarez is expected to work closely with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Trump Selects Experienced Health Leader
President Trump announced his intention to nominate Dr. Susan Monarez as the permanent Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Monarez brings impressive credentials to the position, including a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin and postdoctoral training from Stanford University.
Monarez has been serving as the CDC’s Acting Director since January and previously worked at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Her extensive background in health technology and biosecurity includes various government roles at the Health Resources and Services Administration, the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the National Security Council. And while she has plenty of experience, she’s also a Trump loyalty…which means she isn’t afraid to switch things up, get rid of the waste, and even take on the corruption at the highest levels.
CDC Leadership Transition
The nomination comes after President Trump unexpectedly withdrew his previous choice, David Weldon, due to insufficient votes for confirmation in the Senate.
The CDC, headquartered in Atlanta, manages a substantial budget exceeding $9 billion and was originally established to prevent malaria spread in the United States. Under Monarez’s leadership, the agency will continue its vital mission of protecting public health while working closely with recently confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has announced that he will nominate acting Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dr. Susan Monarez to take on the full role as director of the CDC. pic.twitter.com/IyDbEfdqTp
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 24, 2025
Scientific Expertise and Management Challenges
Dr. Monarez has been described as having strong respect for science-based decision-making and expertise in infectious disease control.
Some CDC employees have reportedly expressed concerns about her communication style and visibility as a leader within the organization. However, supporters point to her technical expertise and government experience as valuable assets for the critical role of directing the nation’s primary public health agency.
The nomination process will now move to the Senate, where Dr. Monarez will face confirmation hearings. If confirmed, she will transition from Acting Director to permanent leadership of the CDC, providing stability and continuity at the important health agency.