The Trump administration has selected Susan Monarez, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) acting director, as its nominee to permanently lead the agency. Sources within the administration confirmed the decision on Monday. Monarez, who has been in charge of the CDC since earlier this year, emerged as the preferred candidate after surpassing two other potential nominees: former GOP Rep. Michael Burgess and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. The move follows a series of setbacks after Dr. Dave Weldon, Trump’s first nominee, withdrew amid controversy.
Background on Susan Monarez’s Appointment
Susan Monarez’s selection marks a significant move in the Trump administration’s effort to stabilize the CDC following challenges in securing a permanent leader. Previously, Monarez served as the deputy director for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) starting in January 2023, focusing on advanced health research and technology. Before her appointment as acting director at the CDC, Monarez worked in the health tech space, where she gained recognition for her expertise in artificial intelligence and health innovation.
Monarez’s appointment to the acting director role at the CDC earlier this year was notable because it broke with tradition. Typically, interim CDC leaders are career agency officials, but Trump appointed Monarez, signaling a shift in leadership style at the agency. This decision was made after the abrupt withdrawal of Dr. Dave Weldon, whose past comments on vaccines and autism led to public backlash and caused a significant delay in his confirmation process.
Why Susan Monarez Was Chosen
Monarez’s nomination comes at a critical time for the CDC, as the agency faces multiple public health challenges, including the ongoing fight against avian flu, a rapidly spreading measles outbreak, and increasing vaccine hesitancy across the nation. The Trump administration and Congressional Republicans are poised to make significant changes to the CDC, aiming to enhance the agency’s effectiveness and address the growing public health concerns.
Monarez is seen as a more moderate figure compared to Dr. Weldon, who faced criticism for his controversial views. Experts believe that Monarez’s background in both health research and technology positions her well to lead the CDC through complex health issues.
Dr. Rich Besser, former acting director of the CDC and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, emphasized the importance of the role. “The director of the CDC is among the most important health positions in the world,” Besser told POLITICO. His comment highlights the weight of responsibility that comes with leading an agency tasked with public health on a global scale.
Monarez’s Expertise and Experience
Before joining the CDC, Monarez had an extensive career in public service and health technology. She worked at the White House in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and she was also a member of the National Security Council, where she contributed her expertise in science and technology policy. Her background in artificial intelligence and her leadership at ARPA-H provided her with valuable experience in navigating complex health challenges, making her a strong candidate for the CDC’s top position.
Her previous roles demonstrate her ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and public health policy, a critical skill as the CDC continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the health sector. Experts note that her moderate approach to public health issues will likely serve her well as she takes on this high-profile role.
Challenges Facing the CDC Under Monarez’s Leadership
As the CDC works to mitigate the impact of ongoing public health crises, Monarez faces a challenging road ahead. The agency is dealing with the rapid spread of infectious diseases like avian flu and measles, both of which pose significant risks to public health. At the same time, vaccine hesitancy is on the rise, complicating efforts to curb these outbreaks.
The Trump administration’s commitment to reshaping the CDC could lead to more changes in its structure and policies. Congressional Republicans have called for an overhaul of the agency to address what they see as inefficiencies and outdated practices. These efforts may lead to significant shifts in how the CDC operates and responds to future health emergencies.
The nomination of Susan Monarez as the permanent director of the CDC marks a pivotal moment in the agency’s history. With her experience in both public health and technology, she is well-positioned to lead the CDC through the complex challenges it faces. As the agency continues to respond to critical health crises, Monarez’s leadership will be closely watched by both health professionals and policymakers alike. The Trump administration’s quick decision to settle on a nominee underscores the urgency of having strong, effective leadership at the CDC.
