THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Trump Press Sec’s Dimwitted Spin Implodes as RFK Firing Fiasco Worsens
Aug 29, 2025
In this discussion, Don Moynihan, a University of Michigan professor and author of "Can We Still Govern?", tackles the chaotic fallout from the attempted firing of CDC director Susan Monarez. He critiques the White House's struggle to maintain credibility in the face of anti-vaccine policies pushed by RFK Jr. Moynihan highlights the dangers of politicizing public health and emphasizes the importance of expertise over loyalty. The conversation underscores how this political maneuvering could threaten the integrity of health governance and democracy itself.
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Firing Triggered Legal And Institutional Backlash
- The White House publicly claims CDC Director Susan Menares was fired for opposing RFK Jr.'s policies.
- That claim sparked a rare, large protest and legal pushback because only the president can remove a Senate-confirmed director.
Staff Walkouts After Abrupt Removal Tweet
- HHS posted a tweet saying Menares was out, then CDC staff began resigning in protest.
- Rank-and-file CDC scientists even walked out of headquarters in Atlanta to signal alarm.
Spin Masks A Science Vs. Politics Clash
- Caroline Leavitt framed the removal as alignment with the president's mission rather than a policy dispute over vaccines.
- That rhetorical move masks a conflict over scientific guidance and vaccine policy at the CDC.