The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell Trump & RFK Jr. throw CDC into complete chaos
16 snips
Aug 29, 2025 
Nirav Shah, former principal deputy director of the CDC, discusses the chaos within the agency amid political pressures from figures like Trump and RFK Jr. He reveals how recent leadership changes threaten public trust in health messaging. Angela Alsobrooks, a Democratic Senator from Maryland, calls for RFK Jr.'s resignation and emphasizes the urgent need for scientific integrity in public health. They both address the challenges faced by the CDC and the implications of politicized decisions on healthcare outcomes, highlighting the precarious balance between politics and science.
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Politicization Undermines CDC Surveillance
- The Trump administration's moves at CDC have politicized public health leadership and driven out scientific experts.
- That erosion of independence risks America's ability to prevent and detect outbreaks.
Demand Immediate Accountability
- Call for Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign or be removed immediately due to dangerous anti-vaccine policies.
- Urge bipartisan congressional intervention to protect public health institutions and ethics.
Lines In The Sand Cost Leaders Their Jobs
- Susan Menares refused orders she judged illegal or contrary to science, and was subsequently ousted.
- Forcing officials to act against law or evidence drives experienced leaders out of agencies.