The Daily The Fired C.D.C. Director Testifies
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Sep 18, 2025 Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a health policy correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the intense Senate hearing featuring Dr. Susan Monarez, who faced pressure over CDC vaccine recommendations. Stolberg examines the chaos within the CDC and highlights a significant rift among Republicans regarding their support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine agenda. The discussion reveals underlying tensions that could impact the future of vaccine policies and the CDC's influence.
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Refused To Precommit On Vaccine Decisions
- Dr. Susan Menares said Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked her to precommit to approving every ACIP vaccine recommendation regardless of evidence.
- She refused and testified she chose firing over compromising her scientific integrity.
Kennedy's Heated Meeting With CDC Staff
- Menares described a meeting where Kennedy hurled insults and accused CDC staff of corruption and harming children.
- She said he told her CDC employees were 'horrible' and 'bought by the pharmaceutical industry.'
Transparency Means Talking To Congress
- Senators and Menares highlighted that federal officials must speak to Congress and that censorship undermines transparency.
- Menares warned that being barred from talking to Congress is not 'radical transparency.'