Sacked health agency chief refuses to step down unless Trump himself gives order

Turmoil at the US disease prevention agency deepened yesterday as lawyers for the fired director, Susan Monarez, claimed she would not depart unless Donald Trump himself removed her.

- Oliver Milman

Monarez, an infectious disease specialist who was confirmed as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chief just a month ago, was fired on Wednesday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which gave no reason for the departure.

However, her lawyers claim that while the White House has said that she is "not aligned with the president's agenda", only Trump can actually dismiss her.

"As a presidential appointee, senate-confirmed officer, only the president himself can fire her," Monarez's lawyer Mark Zaid posted on Bluesky.

"For this reason, we reject the notification that Dr. Monarez has received as legally deficient and she remains as CDC Director. We have notified the White House Counsel of our position."

A spokesperson for Trump, Kush Desai, said: "Susan Monarez is not aligned with the president's agenda of making America healthy again. Since Susan Monarez refused to resign despite informing HHS leadership of her intent to do so, the White House has terminated Monarez from her position with the CDC."

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said a replacement for Monarez would be announced "very soon".

"The president has the authority to fire those who are not aligned with his mission," she said.