Trump announces pick to lead CDC

President Trump plans to nominate Susan Monarez to be director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a post on his social media platform.

Monarez is not a medical doctor but does hold a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology. She has 20 years of experience in government jobs. She was deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, a research funding agency that describes itself as supporting “transformative biomedical and health breakthroughs.”

While with the federal government, Monarez worked at the Department of Homeland Security and the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“Dr. Monarez brings decades of experience championing innovation, transparency, and strong public health systems,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social site.

“As an incredible mother and dedicated public servant, Dr. Monarez understands the importance of protecting our children, our communities, and our future. Americans have lost confidence in the CDC due to political bias and disastrous mismanagement.”

If confirmed by the Senate, Monarez will head the Atlanta-based agency that has a $17.3 billion budget. It tracks domestic and foreign threats to public health, including investigating foodborne illness outbreaks and researching foodborne pathogens. Much of the CDC’s budget goes to help fund local and state public health and prevention activities.

Monarez would report directly to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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