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

Sat Sep 13 2025 13:49:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The White House has come to the defense of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as controversy surrounds the CDC, following leadership changes and critical resignations in the agency.

Despite growing chaos at the CDC and calls for his resignation, the White House is supporting Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., emphasizing his contributions to public health. With resignations from senior CDC officials over his leadership and vaccine policies, bipartisan critiques are mounting against Kennedy. Critics warn that these changes could jeopardize public health, reflecting a deepening crisis at the agency.

The White House is defending Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after a chaotic week at the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that led 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 dismissed for being not aligned with the president's agenda, according to a White House statement, and was replaced by Kennedy's deputy, Jim O'Neill.

Frustration over Kennedy's leadership and vaccine policy has led to the resignation of at least three senior CDC leaders, further intensifying calls from lawmakers for his resignation.

Miller described Kennedy as one of the world's foremost voices, advocates, and experts on public health, commending his work to restore the credibility of the CDC.

While Kennedy does not possess a medical degree, he has had a contentious background as a vaccine critic, known for promoting discredited claims about vaccine safety.

The controversies coincide with the CDC's recent decision to permanently lay off 600 employees, impacting those involved in addressing infectious diseases and environmental health research.

Critics, including lawmakers from both parties, are raising serious concerns about potential disruptions to crucial public health measures, particularly regarding childhood vaccinations.

Among the critics, former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry expressed her fears that recent policy shifts could threaten ongoing scientific initiatives and public health strategies, possibly reviving outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Democratic senators, including Jon Ossoff and Chuck Schumer, have openly criticized Kennedy and urged his dismissal, reflecting bipartisan concerns regarding his leadership. Schumer noted that Trump's decision to appoint him was misguided, calling for action to address the leadership upheaval at the CDC.

In response to the upheaval, Kennedy has reached out to CDC employees, emphasizing his commitment to restoring trust and scientific integrity within the agency he leads.

The situation at the CDC remains fraught with tension and uncertainty as stakeholders weigh the implications of Kennedy's policies for public health in America.