Susan Monarez Nominated as Next Director of CDC Amid Vaccine Controversy

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to nominate Susan Monarez as the director of the CDC. Monarez has extensive experience in U.S. government agencies and has been acting director of CDC. If confirmed, she will oversee public health threats, including a measles outbreak and bird flu. Her stance on vaccines is not well known.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to nominate Susan Monarez as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Monarez, who currently leads the organization in an acting capacity, boasts 20 years of experience across various U.S. government agencies.

If confirmed by the Senate, Monarez will be central in addressing public health crises, including a measles outbreak and bird flu spread. She will oversee the CDC's extensive budget and public health policies, but her views on vaccines remain uncertain. The CDC is responsible for tracking health threats and making vaccination recommendations.

Monarez's nomination follows the withdrawal of vaccine critic Dave Weldon. The Senate will scrutinize her nomination, particularly given her lack of publicly known positions on vaccination, an issue of contention due to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr's controversial views.

(With inputs from agencies.)