
Source: CDC
CDC in Crisis: Controversial Leadership and Mass Resignations
Top scientists resign blaming political interference and mismanagement under RFK Jr. while raising alarms about U.S. public health preparedness
It’s one of the nation’s most critical federal health agencies but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is facing a crisis. The agency, in just the last 24 hours, has been hit by mass resignations blamed on controversial leadership and policy shifts by US health secretary and CDC head Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Listen as Maggie Daun discusses the turmoil within the CDC here:
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The upheaval comes amid growing concerns over the administration’s handling of public health. Kennedy is a long-time vaccine skeptic and has initiated widespread staff reductions along with restructuring at the CDC. His tenure has also seen high-profile dismissals. This includes the firing of key advisory committee members along with the appointment of vaccine skeptics to influential positions. Critics are warning these moves are undermining the U.S. vaccine program and leaving the country vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Four senior CDC officials have resigned. Dr. Deborah Houry, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Dr. Daniel Jernigan, and Dr. Jennifer Layden blamed political interference and mismanagement for the decision to leave. These officials, who collectively played central roles in vaccine policy, outbreak responses, and public health data, have been described by former CDC leaders as “exceptional” and among the “best of the best.”
One departing official wrote in a resignation letter, obtained by news outlets, “You have put people of dubious intent and more dubious scientific rigor in charge of recommending vaccine policy. Their desire to please a political base will result in the death and disability of vulnerable children and adults.”
The letter also criticized Kennedy for bypassing CDC staff and relying on outside organizations with “conflicted” interests.
The agency is already dealing with measles outbreaks in Northern Wisconsin and a potential resurgence of other vaccine-preventable diseases. Experts warn the departure of top scientists, combined with reductions in CDC staffing and resources, could compromise the nation’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies.

Adding to the turmoil, the CDC recently faced a violent incident when a gunman shot at the Atlanta headquarters in early August. A police officer was killed before the suspect took his own life. Critics say the violence only underscores the mistrust and heightened tensions surrounding the agency with the current leadership changes.
Public health experts are now calling for immediate measures to stabilize the CDC and restore confidence in the agency’s mission. They also warn that politicizing science and undermining vaccine policy could have long-term consequences on the health and safety of all Americans.

Teri Barr is Civic Media’s Content Creator and a legend in Wisconsin broadcast journalism. Email her at teri.barr@civicmedia.us.
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