Trump Questions CDC Leadership, Calls for Clarity on Covid Products as Agency Faces Crisis
WASHINGTON – August 28, 2025 – Former President Donald Trump expressed concern Monday over the state of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stating it is “being ripped apart” and calling for companies to “clear up this MESS, one way or the other.” the statement comes amid significant upheaval at the agency under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including the recent firing of CDC Director Dr. Monarez less than 30 days into her tenure, reportedly over vaccine policy.
Trump’s post on social media reflects a seeming internal conflict regarding Covid-19 vaccines. While acknowledging “extraordinary” evidence from companies like Pfizer, he questioned the overall success of Operation warp Speed, the government initiative responsible for rapidly developing Covid-19 countermeasures. ”I hope OPERATION WARP SPEED was as ‘BRILLIANT’ as many say it was. If not,we all want to know about it,and why???” he wrote.The CDC is currently facing a crisis marked by multiple resignations of top officials protesting kennedy’s leadership, and cuts to both spending and staff.Public health experts, physicians, researchers, and current and former CDC employees warn these actions have already “hobbled the agency” and will worsen the situation.
kennedy, in an email to agency staff Thursday, pledged to restore trust to the CDC, touting “significant progress.” Though, his agenda requires the support of Trump, as the management prepares to nominate a new CDC director. So far, Kennedy has “faced relatively little resistance from the White House,” with the White House announcing Dr. Monarez’s firing despite the initial announcement coming from Kennedy’s Department of health and Human Services.
Trump’s comments contrast with established scientific consensus. Evidence has repeatedly demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines for most people, with estimates suggesting they saved millions of lives during the pandemic.
Nine former CDC directors, representing both Republican and Democratic administrations, echoed concerns about Kennedy’s actions, writing in The New York Times that his moves to remake the agency are “endangering the entire nation.” They warned that the decisions will have a “wide-ranging impact that…should alarm every American, regardless of political leanings.”
