President Donald Trump has selected Susan Monarez as director to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making permanent her current role as acting director.
Monarez, who has been serving as the agency’s interim leader since January, will replace Dr. David Weldon, whose nomination was withdrawn earlier this month due to concerns that he lacked sufficient support in the Senate for confirmation.
“As an incredible mother and dedicated public servant, Dr. Monarez understands the importance of protecting our children, our communities, and our future,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Americans have lost confidence in the CDC due to political bias and disastrous mismanagement.”
Monarez emerged as the top choice over other contenders, including former Texas congressman and obstetrician-gynecologist Michael Burgess. Weldon had also advocated for Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo to be considered for the role.
If confirmed, Monarez would be the first CDC director to undergo Senate confirmation, following a law passed by Congress in 2022. Previously, CDC directors were appointed by the president and could assume the role immediately without confirmation.
Monarez previously served as the deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, an agency focused on innovative medical research.