Mass layoffs, resignations and major vaccine policy changes: Timeline of turmoil at CDC
The recent events at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have caused a significant stir within the federal health agency. From attempted oustings to resignations of high-profile officials, the turmoil at CDC has been ongoing for months.
In November 2024, then-President-elect Donald Trump nominated Dr. Dave Weldon to lead the CDC. However, by January 2025, Trump had chosen Susan Monarez as the acting director of the CDC. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as Monarez faced scrutiny during her confirmation hearing.
In February 2025, Dr. Nirav Shah, the principal deputy director of the CDC, resigned, citing personal reasons. This was followed by the withdrawal of Weldon’s nomination in March due to lack of Senate votes for confirmation.
Monarez was later nominated by Trump to be the CDC director in March 2025. However, by April 2025, five high-level CDC officials retired from their positions in what was described as “retirements.” This included key figures such as Leslie Ann Dauphin and Karen Remley.
In April 2025, mass layoffs began at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), affecting over 10,000 employees, including 2,400 CDC staff members. This move was later reversed, with some employees being reinstated due to mistaken cuts.
In May 2025, Kennedy announced changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women. This decision was met with criticism and confusion within the public health community.
In June 2025, Kennedy removed all members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel and appointed new members with varying views on vaccines. This move was seen as an attempt to restore public trust in the CDC.
The events culminated in August 2025 when a gunman opened fire at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, resulting in the death of a police officer. Monarez sent a note to employees linking misinformation to the shooting, which led to her termination by the White House.
Following Monarez’s departure, four senior CDC officials, including Dr. Deb Houry and Dr. Dan Jernigan, resigned from their positions. The ongoing turmoil at the CDC has raised concerns about the agency’s stability and ability to carry out its public health mandate effectively.
As the CDC navigates these challenges, the future of the agency remains uncertain. The impact of these events on public health policy and decision-making is yet to be fully understood.
