Robert F. Kennedy Jr., US Secretary of Health, fires CDC director and promotes nicotine

Dr. Susan Monarez, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was removed from her position by the White House on August 27, 2025, barely a month after her Senate confirmation. The move, which was requested by Surgeon General Robert F. Kennedy Jr., illustrates the growing tensions between the department and the nation's top health agency.[1]The minister, who had placed the fight against industry interference in health policies at the heart of his concerns, nevertheless promoted nicotine pouches and vaping as alternatives to tobacco, even though these are not scientifically recognized. only in the short term for certain categories of smokers.

Susan Monarez's dismissal and tensions between the minister and CDC officials

Susan Monarez reportedly refused to support the rescinding of certain coronavirus vaccine authorizations, a major point of disagreement with the current secretary, who is known for his controversial positions on vaccination. Her departure prompted a series of resignations within the CDC, including that of Demetre C. Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, who denounced the agency's political use to the detriment of science, but also of Dr. Debra Houry, deputy director of the agency; Dr. Daniel Jernigan, director of the agency's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases; and Dr. Jennifer Layden, director of the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology.

" When CDC Director Susan Monarez refused to rubber-stamp unscientific and reckless guidelines and fire dedicated health experts, she chose to protect the public rather than serve a political agenda. That's why she was targeted. ", wrote attorneys Mark Zaid and Abbe David Lowell in a statement.[2].

" The loss of experienced and world-renowned infectious disease experts at the CDC is directly linked to the failure of leadership by the extremists currently leading the Department of Health and Human Services. " said Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Minnesota. They make our country less safe and less prepared for public health emergencies.

Pending a new appointment, Jim O'Neill, a close associate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been named acting director of the CDC. The disagreements over vaccine policy highlight a climate of tension between the public agency and the department, marked by distrust among some scientific staff regarding their current policies.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Political Strategy and Controversies

Since taking office, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sought to make his mark on public health policy through his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative, a variation on Donald Trump's "Make American Great Again" (MAGA) slogan. It combines measures welcomed even by the Democratic Party, such as banning certain food additives and criticizing the influence of "Big Pharma" (a nickname for the pharmaceutical industry inspired by "Big Tobacco") on health policy, with more controversial political positions, including a strong distrust of vaccines.

RF Kennedy commissioned a study on a possible link between vaccination and autism, despite the scientific consensus rejecting this hypothesis. He also replaced the members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with figures criticized for their positions close to the anti-vaccine movement.

These trends are fueling serious concerns in the scientific community. Several experts believe that the repeated questioning of vaccination programs could undermine public trust and roll back health gains. For them, the current crisis surrounding the CDC leadership illustrates more broadly the risks of politicizing scientific decisions in a context where the fight against infectious diseases remains a major issue.

Promoting nicotine pouches and vaping, an industry-friendly choice rejected by health experts

Furthermore, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that tobacco-free nicotine pouches, placed between the lip and gum, could be the safest alternative to cigarettes.[3]He said these non-FDA-approved products, already popular in Sweden and the UK, could reduce smoking-related illnesses and generate significant public health savings. Tobacco products cost the US healthcare system $600 billion to $640 billion annually (up to €548 billion). He added that nicotine itself was not carcinogenic, while citing an unspecified study from the National Institutes of Health suggesting possible benefits, including reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

He also promoted the electronic cigarette, the only problem of which, according to him, comes from the importation of cheap models from China.[4]His remarks were welcomed by some libertarian organizations close to the industry, allowing tobacco manufacturers to put forward "scientific recognition" of their products.

Several health associations, including the American Lung Association, dispute these claims. They point out that the long-term effects of nicotine pouches remain poorly understood and point to the risks of cancer and oral health problems associated with smokeless products, as well as symptoms including skin irritation, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Doctors also point to the major risks of very strong dependence and significant withdrawal symptoms. Finally, some researchers warn against the marketing of all these new products, particularly targeting young people. They point to attractive flavors, a presentation of products reminiscent of candy, and fun electronic devices, which facilitate initiation and addiction. It is estimated that more than 1.6 million minors vape in the United States.[5].

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids responded to the minister's announcement by urging the U.S. administration to protect the nation's public health infrastructure, including the public health experts who are on the front lines protecting the health and safety of Americans. The organization also called on Congress to exercise its responsibility to rigorously monitor the administration's actions and to maintain its funding of the CDC and other public health agencies[6].

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1]Sebastian Seibt, Between Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the American health world, things are going badly., France 24, published August 28, 2025, consulted August 29, 2025

[2]Mike Stobbe, CDC director Susan Monarez is fired and other agency leaders resign, AP News, published August 28, 2025, accessed August 29, 2025

[3]Sean Salai, RFK Jr. calls pouches 'safe way to consume nicotine', The Washington Times, published August 22, 2025, accessed August 29, 2025

[4]Tim Hains, HHS Secretary Kennedy: “Nicotine Does Not Cause Cancer,” We’re “Fast-Tracking” Vapes That Aren’t Dangerous, RealClear Politics, published August 28, 2025, accessed August 29, 2025

[5]Christie Blaser, Opinion: Cuts to federal anti-tobacco programs put Utah kids at risk, DeseretNews, published August 28, 2025, accessed August 29, 2025

[6]Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Attacks on CDC and Its Leadership Put Americans' Lives and Health at Risk, published August 28, 2025, accessed August 29, 2025

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