The Senate has taken its stance and stood by President Donald Trump’s pick to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as The Daily Wire reported.

The agency was expected to see major changes following the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, due to his anti-establishment opinions.

However, while Trump’s choice of Susan Monarez was seen as a victory for many, some are concerned that she could butt heads with the vocally anti-vaccination Kennedy.

The Senate confirmed Monarez, who has a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology, along party lines in a 51-47 vote.

Her history

Monarez is well known within the D.C. beltway and has already held leadership positions in health-related roles.

After around 20 years in service in Washington, D.C., she has already served as deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.

She also previously served in the White House, including within the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Security Council.

She does have the distinction of being the first CDC director to have to sit for Senate confirmation. This is due to a law change that took place in 2023.

Trump’s choice

As it turns out, while she landed the position, Monare wasn’t Trump’s first choice for the head of the CDC.

Initially, Trump nominated Dr. David Weldon, who was a former member of the House of Representatives, to the position, but it was later discovered he wouldn’t be able to garner enough votes to clear the Senate.

After the appointment switched to Monarez, however, Trump got fully behind the candidate:

“Dr. Monarez will work closely with our GREAT Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert Kennedy Jr.,” Trump said following the nomination. “Together, they will prioritize Accountability, High Standards, and Disease Prevention to finally address the Chronic Disease Epidemic and, MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN!

Working with Kennedy

Questions still linger about her work with Kennedy, and Democrats pushed her about whether she agreed with the HHS secretary on vaccines.

Kennedy has been clear that he is skeptical about vaccines, particularly the ones said to protect against COVID-19.

Congratulations to Dr. Susan Monarez, PhD, on her Senate confirmation as the 21st Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She brings decades of distinguished experience in health innovation, disaster preparedness, global health, and biosecurity to @CDCgov. Dr.… pic.twitter.com/xG4nsRdFnS

— CDC (@CDCgov) July 29, 2025