Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny in a Senate Finance Committee hearing on September 4, 2025, where he accused former CDC Director Susan Monarez of lying about being pressured to approve non-scientific vaccine recommendations. The hearing highlighted deep divisions over vaccine policy and the administration’s handling of public health, with Kennedy defending his actions amid calls for his resignation from medical societies and some senators.
During the hearing, Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, referenced an op-ed by Monarez in The Wall Street Journal, in which she claimed she was fired for insisting on rigorous scientific review of vaccine policies. Wyden directly asked Kennedy if he had instructed Monarez to approve recommendations without scientific backing, to which Kennedy denied the allegation and stated that Monarez was lying to the American people. Kennedy emphasized that all their meetings had witnesses present who would support his account, and he never had a private conversation with her on the matter.
The exchange grew more heated as Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, questioned Kennedy about the circumstances of Monarez’s ouster. Kennedy asserted that Monarez resigned because she admitted to not being a trustworthy person when directly asked, a claim that Warren found shocking and inconsistent with Monarez’s public statements. Kennedy repeatedly accused Monarez of dishonesty, escalating the tension in the room and drawing sharp rebukes from Democratic senators who viewed his actions as a threat to public health.
The hearing occurred against a backdrop of significant turmoil at the CDC, where Kennedy has implemented sweeping changes since taking office. He replaced the entire vaccine advisory panel with hand-picked members and narrowed long-standing vaccine recommendations, actions that have sparked resignations and protests within the agency. More than 20 medical organizations had called for Kennedy’s resignation prior to the hearing, citing concerns over the undermining of science and public health integrity.
Republicans also expressed reservations during the session. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician, questioned Kennedy on apparent inconsistencies in his vaccine stance, noting his praise for Operation Warp Speed while implementing policies that could restrict vaccine access. Cassidy and others highlighted how changes might affect vulnerable populations, contradicting Kennedy’s confirmation promises to uphold vaccine safety and availability.
Kennedy defended his reforms by arguing that the CDC needed a overhaul due to its failures during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he claimed eroded public trust. He stated that his actions aimed to restore transparency and evidence-based decision-making, but Democrats like Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia accused him of having an agenda that jeopardizes Americans’ health and called for his immediate resignation.
The hearing concluded after three hours of contentious debate, with Kennedy facing bipartisan criticism but also some support from Republicans such as Senator Ron Johnson, who defended him against what he termed falsehoods. The event underscores the ongoing political and scientific battles over public health policy in the U.S. and sets the stage for further discussions as the new vaccine panel prepares to meet later in September.