Science Friday After CDC Director Is Ousted, More Senior Officials Resign
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Sep 5, 2025 
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, shares insights on the fallout from the abrupt dismissal of CDC director Susan Monarez. He discusses the leadership crisis at the agency and the ensuing resignations that underscore tensions between science and politics. The conversation highlights growing skepticism towards vaccine guidance and the implications for public health. Daskalakis emphasizes the urgent need to restore trust in science and the challenges posed by dehumanization of scientists.
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Couldn't Brief The Secretary
- Demetre Daskalakis described never meeting Secretary Kennedy and being unable to brief him before directives arrived.
- He left because decisions were made without scientific backing and he could no longer function in that environment.
Agency In Dire Straits
- Daskalakis says CDC is in trouble because scientific leadership has been stripped and political ideology is prevailing.
- He warns running the agency like a corporation harms public health and trust.
Rely On Your Clinician Now
- Seek guidance from your personal medical providers rather than assuming CDC guidance will be reliable right now.
- Use your pediatrician, internist, or pharmacist as trusted sources for vaccine questions.