Kennedy’s attack on public health must be stopped

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Media Relations

Statement from APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, MD

The abrupt attempt to oust Dr. Susan Monarez, the CDC’s director just weeks after her Senate confirmation, is yet another glaring sign of Secretary Kennedy’s failed leadership and reckless mismanagement. His tenure has been marked by chaos, disorganization, and a blatant disregard for science and evidence-based public health. Pushing Dr. Monarez out underscores his administrative incompetence and his disdain for the expertise that the public and our public health agencies rely on. 

RFK Jr. must be removed from his position. Since taking office, his actions have sown confusion, demoralized staff and jeopardized the very foundation of our nation’s health security. Most critically, these missteps threaten lives—creating risks that could have been prevented if competent leadership were in place. 

Dr. Monarez, who had little time to settle into her vital role, became collateral damage in Secretary Kennedy’s misguided efforts to overhaul the public health system based on myths and pseudoscience. His ongoing campaign to undermine trust in vaccines—further amplified by lies to Congress and the public—has only deepened the crisis.  

According to reports, Dr. Monarez isn’t the only CDC leader departing under Kennedy’s tenure. Several seasoned experts are leaving either by choice or due to pressure, as they refuse to compromise their integrity. As a result, the safety of the American people hangs in the balance, weaker tonight than it was yesterday.  

What CDC desperately needs now is stability, experienced leadership and a steadfast commitment to science. We require public health professionals who understand data, epidemiology and the root causes of morbidity and mortality—leaders capable of guiding the nation through these complex challenges.  

The CDC faces enormous hurdles—including chronic underfunding, declining trust fueled by COVID missteps and a steady stream of comments by Kennedy and Trump questioning science and demonizing public health leaders, along with the recent trauma from a mass shooting incident at the CDC headquarters by an armed individual who believed his health issues stemmed from the COVID vaccine. These circumstances demand steady, knowledgeable leadership—not reckless upheaval. 

If Dr. Monarez is forced out, one has to wonder who could possibly possess the training, skills and expertise necessary to effectively lead CDC that will not run into the same issues with RFK Jr.   Legislators and officials at all levels of government who are interested in protecting their constituents should demand Kennedy’s removal. We urge people across the nation to contact their representative and call for change to protect our health.  

President Trump, you must step in and protect the American people. Remove RFK Jr. from his position and appoint a true public health leader—someone committed to science, integrity and the well-being of our nation.

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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.