Senate Approves Trumps Nominee to Lead CDC Amid Ongoing Criticism of Pandemic Response

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Susan Monarez as the new head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This decision came after a vote of 51 to 47 on Tuesday. Monarez, who has been serving as the acting director, is the first CDC leader to be confirmed by the Senate due to a new law passed in 2023.

Monarez’s confirmation follows the withdrawal of Dave Weldon’s nomination, which he claimed was due to a lack of support in the Senate. She now takes the helm of the CDC during a significant overhaul led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to cut the CDC’s budget by more than 40%. This comes after the agency faced heavy criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many believe the CDC’s recommendations during the crisis lacked solid scientific backing. For example, the six-feet social distancing guideline was introduced in March 2020 without any clear evidence, according to a House report that reviewed the pandemic response.

The report highlighted that there were no scientific studies backing this policy, and it remained unchanged for a long time. It criticized the CDC for not taking responsibility for its decisions and emphasized that public health guidelines should be based on solid evidence that can be communicated to the public.

The CDC’s guidance on mask-wearing and school closures also faced scrutiny. The agency cited 15 studies to support its mask mandates, but these studies were found to be flawed and did not meet the standards of rigorous scientific trials. The House report indicated that the infection rates in states with mask mandates were similar to those without them, suggesting that the CDC may have selectively used data to support its position.

Furthermore, the report stated that the CDC’s recommendation for universal masking in primary schools caused significant harm. This policy lasted nearly two years, despite the World Health Organization advising against such measures for young children due to potential negative effects on their development.

Overall, the report criticized the CDC’s leadership for ignoring scientific evidence and the potential harm caused by its policies. It called for a more balanced approach to public health decisions in the future.