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CDC chief refuses to step down, accuses RFK Jr. of 'weaponizing public health'

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 23:58 GMT by Le Monde.fr
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CDC Director Declares Refusal to Step Down, Accuses RFK Jr. of “Weaponizing” Public Health

In a surprising public statement that has already ignited a firestorm in Washington, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that she will not resign despite mounting pressure from senior officials and a vocal segment of the media. The announcement, issued at a press briefing on Tuesday, also leveled a fierce rebuke at Senator Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for what the CDC calls “weaponizing public health” to advance a political agenda.

A High‑Profile Showdown

The announcement came at a time when the CDC’s leadership is under intense scrutiny. Since the COVID‑19 pandemic, the agency has faced criticism over its guidance on mask mandates, vaccine mandates, and the handling of emerging variants. Critics argue that the CDC’s recommendations were politically influenced and that the agency has lost public trust. In the midst of this climate, some officials within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have called for a change in leadership, suggesting that the agency needs a “fresh voice” to restore credibility.

The director’s statement was read at a briefing that drew reporters from The New York Times, Reuters, and the Washington Post. “I am here to tell you that I will not step down,” she said. “The CDC is not a political organization, and its work remains rooted in science. To politicize the agency would be a betrayal of the public’s trust.” She added that she was “deeply troubled” by the notion that an external political figure could be used to undermine public health measures.

Criticizing RFK Jr.’s Role

The most incendiary part of the director’s remarks was a direct attack on Senator Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well‑known vaccine skeptic. The director accused the senator of using public health data to further a “political agenda that jeopardizes lives.” She referenced the senator’s outspoken criticism of vaccines, labeling his remarks as misinformation that the CDC is “forced to counter.” The director cited the senator’s recent tweet thread, in which he called for a “complete rollback of vaccination mandates,” as an example of how public health is being weaponized for political ends.

“RFK Jr.’s rhetoric has not only misinformed the public but has also amplified mistrust in institutions that have protected the nation from epidemics for decades,” the director said. “We must confront this misinformation with facts, transparency, and accountability.” The director’s statement was backed by a statement released by the CDC’s official website, which outlined the agency’s commitment to “science‑based, evidence‑driven policies.”

Reactions from Washington

Vice‑President Kamala Harris, who is known for her longstanding support of the CDC, declined to comment on the director’s remarks but issued a statement underscoring the importance of the agency’s work. “The CDC’s science and data are critical for protecting American lives. Any call to undermine the agency’s leadership must be based on facts, not political games,” she said.

President Biden’s spokesperson, however, hinted that the administration is open to reviewing the director’s position. “We appreciate the director’s continued service, but we are always open to an honest conversation about the best path forward for our public health infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.

Historical Context and Public Health in the Spotlight

The CDC’s current challenges are not new. Over the past decade, the agency has been entangled in controversies surrounding vaccine safety, especially in the wake of the 2019 outbreak of measles in Texas and the subsequent investigations into vaccine policy. The agency’s response to the 2020 COVID‑19 pandemic has also been a lightning rod for political criticism. In 2022, the CDC released a set of guidelines that were widely praised for their scientific rigor but later criticized by opposition groups who claimed the agency was “biased.”

The accusations that the CDC is “weaponized” are not without precedent. In 2015, former CDC director Dr. Anthony Fauci’s “in the trenches” videos were cited by political opponents as evidence of the agency’s bias. In the current context, Senator Kennedy’s remarks about “the politicization of vaccine mandates” echo older arguments that the agency is being manipulated by partisan forces.

Looking Ahead

The director’s refusal to resign signals that the agency is ready to confront political pressure head-on. The statement also underscores a broader debate about the independence of public health agencies in a highly polarized political climate. If the administration does not intervene, the CDC’s leadership may remain intact, but the agency will likely continue to face scrutiny from both sides of the aisle.

The debate over the CDC’s role is likely to intensify as upcoming elections bring new pressure from both Republican and Democratic leaders. In the meantime, the agency’s staff and the public will watch closely to see whether the director’s refusal to step down will be seen as a stance of principle or as a defiant act that risks further politicization of public health.

Related Stories

• “CDC’s vaccine mandates under fire as political battles heat up” – Le Monde (link to internal CDC policies)
• “RFK Jr. on vaccine skepticism: A voice for the people or a political ploy?” – The Hill (link to Senator’s official website)

Le Monde has followed the story closely, offering a detailed look at the political dynamics behind the CDC’s current leadership crisis. As the debate continues, experts suggest that the agency’s next steps will be pivotal in shaping public trust in science and the ability of U.S. public health institutions to respond to future crises.*