New CDC Leadership Faces Daunting Public Health Challenges Ahead

President Trump selects Dr. Susan Monarez to lead the CDC as permanent director following the withdrawal of his previous nomination.

Key Takeaways

Dr. Susan Monarez, currently serving as acting CDC director since January, has been nominated by President Trump to permanently lead the agency.
Monarez holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology with experience in health technology, biosecurity, and various government roles.
She replaces Trump’s previous nominee, David Weldon, who was withdrawn due to insufficient votes for confirmation.
If confirmed, Monarez will work closely with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the $9 billion agency.
Despite her scientific credentials, some CDC employees have expressed concerns about her communication style and visibility as a leader.

Trump Nominates New CDC Director After Previous Withdrawal

The White House confirmed Monday that President Donald Trump will nominate Dr. Susan Monarez as the permanent director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Monarez has been serving as the CDC’s acting director since January following President Trump’s return to office. This nomination comes after Trump’s initial choice, David Weldon, was withdrawn due to insufficient Senate votes for confirmation, highlighting the administration’s determination to establish firm leadership at the critical public health agency.

Monarez brings significant scientific credentials to the position. She holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin and completed her postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Prior to her acting role at the CDC, she worked at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), demonstrating her experience in health technology innovation. Her background represents a combination of scientific expertise and government experience that the administration hopes will strengthen the CDC’s capabilities.

President Trump has decided to pick Dr. Susan Monarez to be the new nominee to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sources familiar with the decision tell CBS News. https://t.co/pmpyO26Ruh

— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 24, 2025

Extensive Government Experience in Health and Security

Dr. Monarez’s professional background extends beyond her most recent roles. She has served in various government positions that have prepared her for the multifaceted challenges of leading the CDC. Her experience includes work at the Health Resources and Services Administration, the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the National Security Council. This diverse background in both health policy and national security gives her a unique perspective on public health threats that often intersect with homeland security concerns.

The CDC, headquartered in Atlanta, has evolved significantly since its creation to prevent malaria in the United States. Today, it manages a budget exceeding $9 billion and addresses a wide range of public health challenges from infectious disease outbreaks to chronic health conditions. Under Monarez’s leadership, the agency will need to rebuild public trust following criticisms of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic while preparing for future health emergencies that may arise during the Trump administration’s term.

Leadership Style and Future Challenges

Colleagues have described Monarez as having strong respect for science-based decision-making and expertise in infectious disease control. These qualities will be essential as she navigates the complex public health landscape alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose appointment has generated significant attention due to his past skepticism about vaccines. Their working relationship will be closely watched as they shape the administration’s public health priorities and response strategies.

Despite her scientific credentials, Monarez’s nomination is not without challenges. Some CDC employees have expressed concerns about her communication style and visibility as a leader during her time as acting director. These internal perceptions could influence her effectiveness in implementing changes within the organization, particularly as she works to address the agency’s widely acknowledged communication failures during recent public health crises. Her confirmation process will likely explore these dynamics along with her vision for the agency’s future.