Trump's CDC nominee pledges focus on infectious diseases, support for MAHA agenda in Senate hearing

By lauraharris // 2025-06-30

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Dr. Susan Monarez, President Donald Trump's nominee for CDC director, pledged to refocus the agency on combating infectious diseases while supporting the administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.
Monarez highlighted children's access to clean water and nutritious food as key public health goals that also align with long-term chronic disease prevention.
When questioned about HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial actions, including removing CDC vaccine advisers, Monarez avoided direct criticism but emphasized her commitment to scientific integrity and independent thinking.
Monarez clarified that there are no federally approved treatments for measles but noted the WHO recommends vitamin A as part of clinical management, responding to concerns about Kennedy's past health claims.
She outlined plans to rebuild trust in the CDC through transparency, expand the use of AI in disease surveillance, modernize labs and reaffirmed her strong support for vaccine availability and public health preparedness.

President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Susan Monarez, told senators during her June 25 confirmation hearing that she plans to sharpen the focus of the agency on combating infectious diseases while supporting the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda. "As CDC refocuses its efforts specifically on communicable diseases, we'll be laser-focused on that area, but we will continue, and I will continue, to make sure that we're supporting the secretary's vision of overall Making America Healthy Again," Monarez said during the confirmation hearing. Monarez cited improving children's access to food and clean water as key areas where the CDC could contribute under the MAHA umbrella, saying such work supports long-term efforts to reduce chronic diseases in the nation’s youth. When faced with tough questions from several senators about her stance on some of Department of Human and Health Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial decisions, including his removal of all members of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), she declined to publicly disagree. "He has said he values and prioritizes independent thinking and using science to drive decision-making," she said. "I am an independent thinker, and I am a scientist. And I will welcome the opportunity to share my opinions based on science and evidence with him as he makes some of these very difficult decisions." Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) pressed Monarez on whether she endorsed Kennedy's past claims that cod liver oil and vitamin A are effective treatments for measles. Monarez responded that there are no antivirals or federally approved treatments for measles, but noted that vitamin A is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of clinical management.

Monarez to enhance use of AI in disease surveillance and preparedness

Moreover, Monarez laid out a vision for a modernized CDC, emphasizing the need to rebuild public trust through transparent, science-backed guidance. She pledged to enhance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in disease surveillance and preparedness and modernize the agency's laboratory capabilities. "These threats are in our backyard or always just a flight away," she said. "CDC must be fully prepared to defend the American people against these known biological risks, and as importantly, be prepared to defend against those we have not yet seen." Monarez clearly stated her support for vaccines, adding that if confirmed as CDC director, she will be committed to ensuring the agency continues to "prioritize vaccine availability." (Related: Mike Adams warns of pharma-funded fake MAHA group distracting from vaccine dangers.) Trump originally picked Dave Weldon, a former U.S. congressman from Florida, for the CDC director role. However, the president withdrew the nomination and changed Weldon to Monarez after facing bipartisan skepticism over his past work scrutinizing vaccine safety. "I am proud to announce that Dr. Susan Monarez is my Nominee to serve as the next Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Monarez brings decades of experience championing Innovation, Transparency and strong Public Health Systems," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform in March when he announced the new nominee. "Americans have lost confidence in the CDC due to political bias and disastrous mismanagement. Dr. Monarez will work closely with our GREAT Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr. Together, they will prioritize Accountability, High Standards and Disease Prevention to finally address the Chronic Disease Epidemic and, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!" Monarez served as deputy director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a cutting-edge research funding agency under the HHS. Both ARPA-H and the CDC fall under the HHS umbrella. CDC.news has more similar stories. Watch this March 3 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about MAHA in crisis as RFK Jr. pens article advocating mass MMR vaccine.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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Monarez to enhance use of AI in disease surveillance and preparedness

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