Senate Confirms Susan Monarez as CDC Director

Trump chose Monarez after withdrawing his first nominee. She holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology, but is the first non-MD since 1953.

Susan Monarez testifies in Washington on June 25, 2025. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

The Senate on July 29 in a party-line vote confirmed Susan Monarez as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fifty-one Republicans voted to confirm Monarez, while 47 Democrats or nominal independents who caucus with the Democrats voted in opposition. Two GOP senators missed the vote.