Trump Administration Faces Rare Bipartisan Pushback for Firing of CDC Director

Washington, D.C. — The sudden dismissal of Dr. Susan Monarez as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sparked an unusual wave of bipartisan resistance, raising legal and political questions about the Trump administration’s authority to remove her.

Monarez, who had served as CDC director for less than a month, was reportedly fired last week by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose influence over federal health policy has grown sharply in recent months. But Monarez’s legal team argues that under federal law, only the president himself can remove the CDC director — and that no such order was issued by Donald Trump.

Legal Dispute Over Authority

In a statement, Monarez’s attorneys called her ouster “unlawful and improper,” saying that Kennedy “acted outside the scope of his legal authority.” They have demanded that she be reinstated immediately. The matter could soon head to the courts, setting up a constitutional clash over executive power and agency independence.

“This isn’t just about one job,” said Sarah Rosen, a lawyer for Monarez. “It’s about whether Cabinet officials can take actions that belong to the president alone. The separation of powers is at stake.”

Bipartisan Pushback

Lawmakers in both parties have reacted with unease. Democrats say the firing reflects Kennedy’s outsized role in health policy and his skepticism of vaccines. Republicans, meanwhile, are warning that the move undermines the stability of a key public health agency at a time when confidence in federal institutions is already fragile.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) called the firing “reckless and politically motivated,” while Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said it raised “serious questions about governance, legality, and public health preparedness.”

Even some of Trump’s usual allies were muted. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) urged the White House to “clarify the chain of command” and said the CDC’s credibility “shouldn’t be collateral damage in political disputes.”

Kennedy’s Role in the Spotlight

Kennedy, who has drawn controversy for his longstanding criticism of vaccines and pharmaceutical companies, defended the decision. He argued that “new leadership” was needed at the CDC to carry out reforms aimed at “restoring trust and independence.”

But critics warn that his growing sway over health policy could destabilize the administration’s response to future health emergencies. “This is what happens when ideology overtakes science,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), a physician and lawmaker.

What Comes Next

The White House has not issued a direct statement on whether Trump personally approved Monarez’s firing. Officials said only that “the administration will continue to evaluate leadership at all levels of government.”

If the legal challenge proceeds, the courts may have to rule on whether the CDC director enjoys protections similar to other independent agency heads, or whether the position serves purely at the president’s pleasure.

For now, the fallout is widening. Monarez’s firing has become a rallying point for Democrats wary of Kennedy’s influence, and for Republicans concerned about executive overreach. In a deeply polarized Washington, it is one of the rare issues uniting lawmakers from both parties — if for very different reasons.