Trump Nominates Susan Monarez as CDC Director

(DailyVantage.com) – President Donald Trump nominates Susan Monarez as the new CDC Director amidst expectations of a strengthened leadership structure in public health.

At a Glance

Donald Trump has nominated Susan Monarez as the CDC Director, pending Senate approval.
Monarez has been serving as the acting head of the CDC since January.
Her nomination follows David Weldon’s withdrawal due to Senate concerns over his vaccine hesitance.
Monarez would be the first CDC director to face Senate confirmation, involving recent legislative changes.

Trump’s Nomination of Susan Monarez for CDC Director

President Donald Trump has named Susan Monarez as his nominee for the directorship of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Monarez, an accomplished health leader with a background in advanced research and public health, steps up following the withdrawal of Trump’s previous choice, Dr. David Weldon, who encountered challenges in Senate confirmation due to his hesitant stance on vaccines. If approved, Monarez will make history as the first CDC director requiring Senate confirmation under new legislative mandates.

Currently, Monarez serves in dual roles as acting director and principal deputy director of the CDC, bringing extensive experience from positions within ARPA-H and the Department of Homeland Security. Her nomination seeks to restore public confidence in the CDC, a critical step amid concerns about political bias and mismanagement that have plagued the agency. Trump’s statement emphasizes Monarez’s dedication: “As an incredible mother and dedicated public servant, Dr. Monarez understands the importance of protecting our children, our communities, and our future.”

President Donald Trump said Monday he is nominating Dr. Susan Monarez to be the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Monarez, who has been serving as the CDC's acting director since January, was previously deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects… pic.twitter.com/G2DQeTmmrO

— PBS News (@NewsHour) March 24, 2025

Monarez’s Background and Expertise

Susan Monarez has an extensive record in health technology and biosecurity, including influential roles at various government entities such as the Health Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-H), Department of Homeland Security, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Though not a medical doctor herself, Monarez’s scientific expertise is without question. She holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin, coupled with postdoctoral training from Stanford University. Her familiarity with the intricacies of disease management makes her a fitting candidate for navigating the CDC through contemporary health challenges.

“She has several solid attributes: strong respect for science based decision making, has successfully worked in government, has managed programs in complex environments and is an expert in infectious disease. If confirmed, I look forward to working with her.” – Dr. Georges Benjamin.

Additionally, some employees within the CDC have pointed to Monarez’s communication style and visibility as areas for improvement, concerns she is likely to address during her confirmation hearings. These discussions may also involve her handling of controversial CDC decisions, including vaccine research directives and workforce adjustments that affected up to 30% of the staff.

Trump nominates Susan Monarez to become the next CDC director, says Americans 'lost confidence' in agency https://t.co/L3GsTFF1dM

— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 24, 2025

Challenges and Future Prospects for CDC Under Monarez

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention faces daunting tasks, including managing ongoing public health threats such as the measles and avian flu outbreaks. Monarez is poised to work closely with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to develop innovative responses to these challenges, benefitting from her extensive background in crafting health policy and programs related to next-generation vaccines and organ donation initiatives. Her directional strategies are expected to reinforce a reliance on science-based health planning and implementation.

“CDC needs reform. That’s why I launched a Senate Republican CDC working group. I look forward to meeting Dr. Susan Monarez and learning more about her vision for the agency.” – Senator Bill Cassidy.

While awaiting Senate confirmation, which will largely influence her stewardship, Monarez’s leadership style and decision-making approaches will be scrutinized by numerous stakeholders. Should she receive approval, her nomination epitomizes a key step toward reestablishing confidence and elevating public health standards in the United States.