RFK Battles CDC: A Fight for America's Health Policy Under Global Scrutiny

Sun Oct 19 2025 20:23:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confrontations with the CDC ignite debates on public health integrity and safety, drawing worldwide attention.

As U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces off against the CDC, his actions raise alarms about the integrity of America's public health system. Following the recent firing of the CDC director, the agency's leadership is in turmoil with significant implications for health policy both domestically and globally. Experts warn that this conflict could impact response efforts to future health crises, reflecting a concerning trend in political interference with scientific integrity.

In fiery Senate testimony this week, US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. once again set his sights on the nation's top public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

His appearance came days after he suddenly fired the new CDC director, Susan Monarez, provoking a group of senior staffers to resign in protest. At the hearing, when asked for an explanation, Kennedy claimed he had asked Ms. Monarez if she was a trustworthy person and she had replied no, drawing disbelief from his opponents in the room.

He admitted to previously labeling the CDC as the most corrupt agency in government and hinted at further drastic changes to the organization.

Kennedy's statements have incited a furious backlash, with many health professionals expressing concern that America's public health framework is in jeopardy. This conflict not only poses consequences for health policies in the US but also echoes globally—especially as the CDC has historically taken a leading role in major international health responses.

Founded in 1946, the CDC has been pivotal in tracking infectious diseases like Covid and tackling chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer. With over 200 specialized laboratories and a workforce of about 13,000, recent staff reductions raise concerns about the agency's capabilities. While the CDC does not approve vaccines, it advises the public on vaccine recommendations through its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and monitors related safety concerns.

Vaccine Dispute

Kennedy's past has raised red flags for public health experts due to his critical stance on vaccines, previously leading an activist group questioning vaccine safety. As a newcomer as Health Secretary, he has expressed doubts about the Covid vaccine's safety, claiming it is the most deadly in history and wrongly linking it to autism.

Further, he has accused the existing ACIP panel—responsible for advising vaccine eligibility—of conflicts of interest and dismissed the entire board, appointing a new one that could alter crucial vaccination recommendations affecting American children.

Amid escalating tensions, his actions led to Monarez's firing and a wave of resignations at the CDC, including the chief medical officer and other senior roles. Some staffers criticized Kennedy's management style and questioned his response to a recent shooting incident at CDC headquarters linked to vaccine misinformation.

Reflecting on this tumultuous phase at CDC, critics warn of drastic implications for global health preparedness, especially with an upcoming meeting examining Covid and other vaccine recommendations—a moment that will be watched closely by health professionals worldwide.

What happens in America is of great importance to global health, remarked Anthony Costello, highlighting the interconnectedness of public health and science integrity.

Dismantling the CDC’s structure risks leaving the nation less prepared for the next health emergency, raising alarms about how this administration navigates public health amid political pressures.