Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that former CDC director Susan Monarez lied to the public. Monarez claimed she was fired for refusing to endorse scientifically unsupported vaccine recommendations. Kennedy's public disagreement is expected to further destabilize the CDC. Monarez had accused Kennedy in an op-ed of pressuring her to accept recommendations from an anti-vaccine panel. She argued this undermines the CDC's ability to make evidence-based decisions. HHS, however, stated Monarez was not told to preapprove anything. They asserted she was instructed to rely on existing HHS expert reviews. Kennedy has faced Republican criticism for perceived contradictions in his vaccine policy stances. Senators have expressed concern over the turmoil within the public health institution. Kennedy has recently reversed some vaccine policies and questioned their efficacy and safety. He also limited who can receive COVID-19 vaccines and canceled contracts for mRNA vaccine development.