White House Stands by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Amid CDC Leadership Crisis

Tue Sep 30 2025 05:09:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Biden administration supports Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following a tumultuous week at the CDC, where tensions and resignations have raised concerns about public health policies.

In the wake of a leadership shakeup at the CDC that resulted in the firing of its chief and subsequent high-level resignations, the White House has come to the defense of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Amid calls for his resignation, Kennedy's supporters highlight his commitment to restoring credibility at the CDC, amidst growing frustrations from health experts and lawmakers regarding his controversial policies on vaccinations and public health.

The White House is defending Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after a chaotic week at the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) leading to calls for his removal.

On Friday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called Kennedy, also known as RFK Jr, a crown jewel of this administration.

Earlier this week, CDC Chief Dr. Susan Monarez was fired for being not aligned with the president's agenda, the White House disclosed, with RFK Jr.'s deputy Jim O'Neill stepping in as her replacement.

Since then, at least three senior officials from the CDC have resigned, expressing frustration over Kennedy's leadership and vaccine policies, prompting some lawmakers to call for his resignation.

Miller praised Kennedy as one of the world's foremost voices, advocates and experts on public health, asserting that he is striving to restore the CDC's credibility and integrity, crucial aspects of one of the premier public health bodies globally.

Kennedy, lacking a medical degree and with a legal background, was appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees numerous health agencies, including the CDC.

The turmoil follows the CDC's recent action of permanently laying off 600 workers earlier this month, as reported by a workers' union.

These extensive layoffs included key personnel involved in the US's responses to infectious diseases and those managing public health records.

Since taking office, Kennedy, a critic of vaccine policies, has implemented various funding cuts and regulatory changes, inciting backlash from public health experts.

Kennedy previously co-led an anti-vaccine group and has often promoted widely discredited claims about vaccine harm.

Former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry alarmingly noted that Kennedy's policies continue to jeopardize scientific integrity, warning of dire consequences such as a disrupted vaccination schedule that could reignite outbreaks of measles and polio.

Notably, several Senate Democrats, including Jon Ossoff, labeled Kennedy a quack, demanding his resignation, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer contended that Trump should remove Kennedy due to his tumultuous impact on US health care.

Concerns were echoed by some Republicans, with Senator Susan Collins expressing that Monarez's dismissal lacked justification and calling for a congressional hearing.

In light of these developments, Kennedy penned an open letter to CDC employees, affirming his commitment to rebuilding trust, transparency, and credibility within the agency, aiming to transform the CDC into a guardian of America's health and security.