The White House has escalated its confrontation with fired CDC director Susan Monarez, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivering a forceful defense of President Donald Trump's decision. Leavitt warned other federal officials against resisting what she characterised as Trump's "rightful" authority to remove agency heads.
Monarez was officially terminated on Wednesday but continues to refuse stepping down, creating an unprecedented standoff between the CDC and the White House. Her legal team argues that only Trump himself can remove her from the position, not subordinate officials within the administration.
Legal challenge intensifies
The fired CDC director was confirmed just one month ago, making the rapid dismissal particularly controversial within public health circles. Her lawyers are challenging the firing through the courts, questioning the legal authority behind the dismissal process.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's health secretary, was directly involved in heated exchanges attempting to oust Monarez. The confrontation reportedly centred on vaccine policy disputes that have become a flashpoint within the administration.
Mass resignations continue
Four senior CDC officials have resigned in protest over the handling of Monarez's firing. The resignations signal growing unrest within the agency as concerns mount among career public health officials about political interference.
Leavitt's aggressive warning to other potential dissenters suggests the White House expects further resistance to Trump's personnel decisions. The press secretary's escalated rhetoric marks a significant hardening of the administration's stance against federal employees who challenge presidential authority.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "The Guardian", "The Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
