Former CDC director Monarez says she was fired for refusing RFK Jr.’s demands

At a Senate hearing on Wednesday, former CDC Director Susan Monarez said she was pressured by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to preapprove vaccine recommendations and dismiss career scientists without cause. She was fired after just 29 days in the role, despite being confirmed by the Senate with approval from both Republicans and Democrats. “I was fired for holding the line on scientific integrity,” Monarez told the panel. She warned that weakening vaccine protections could allow preventable diseases to return, putting American lives at risk.

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