Trump picks Susan Monarez to lead CDC as director after David Weldon nomination falls through

President Donald Trump has announced Dr. Susan Monarez as his pick for the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), praising her as a devoted public servant. Monarez, who currently serves as the acting director of the CDC, will take over from Dr. David Weldon, whose nomination was withdrawn by the Trump administration earlier this month without an official explanation.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Weldon’s confirmation was unlikely due to a lack of support in the Senate. Trump took to Truth Social to endorse Monarez, highlighting her extensive experience in advocating for innovation, transparency, and robust public health systems.

Monarez holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin and has undergone postdoctoral training in Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Trump emphasized Monarez’s commitment to safeguarding children, communities, and the nation’s future.

The president also expressed concerns about the declining trust in the CDC, attributing it to perceived political bias and mismanagement. He believes that Monarez, in collaboration with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr, will prioritize accountability, high standards, and disease prevention to tackle the chronic disease epidemic and restore the nation’s health.

Monarez’s background includes roles at the White House in the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Security Council. Her CDC biography highlights her contributions to bolstering the country’s biomedical innovation capabilities, addressing antimicrobial resistance, utilizing wearables for patient health, safeguarding personal health data privacy, and enhancing pandemic preparedness. She has also led initiatives to advance health innovation research and development on both national and international levels.

In conclusion, Trump’s nomination of Dr. Susan Monarez signals a new chapter for the CDC under her leadership. With a strong focus on innovation, transparency, and public health, Monarez is poised to address the challenges facing the CDC and work towards making America healthy again.