'RFK Was Very Upset': Fired CDC Chief Monarez Details Kennedy's 2 Demands On Vaccines

RFK Jr.'s Demands and Reaction

• 💡 Former CDC Director Monarez described Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s reaction as "very upset" and "extremely animated" when she insisted on consulting scientific evidence for vaccine decisions.
• 🎯 Kennedy's meeting with Monarez was tense and unproductive, characterized by his anger when she pushed back against his demands.

Disparaging Claims Against CDC

• 💬 Kennedy asserted that the CDC had not collected data or science for vaccines and had failed in evaluating their safety and efficacy.
• ⚠️ He called the CDC the "most corrupt federal agency in the world," claiming its employees were "horrible people," "killing children," and "bought by the pharmaceutical industry."
• ✅ Monarez explicitly stated that these assertions were "not true."

Compromising Scientific Integrity

• 🔑 Kennedy demanded two specific actions: firing scientists and pre-approving vaccine recommendations without scientific evidence.
• ⚖️ Monarez viewed these directives as a violation of her oath of office, which required her to uphold scientific integrity and faithfully discharge duties to protect public health.

Unprecedented Actions and Concerns

• 📊 Monarez confirmed there was no precedent for dismissing an entire vaccine advisory board, requiring political clearance for CDC decisions, or pre-approving vaccine recommendations without scientific evidence.
• 📈 Kennedy gave the impression that President Trump supported significant changes to the childhood vaccine schedule.

Impact of Misinformation on Staff Safety

• 🚨 Monarez expressed deep concern for the safety of CDC personnel and medical professionals due to the spread of misleading information and conspiracy theories.
• 🛡️ She highlighted that staff were traumatized by a shooting incident at the CDC and now fear public association with scientific work, leading to measures like leadership presenting at ACIP meetings to protect scientists.