Controversial NIH director now in charge of CDC, too, in RFK Jr. shake-up
Ars Technica
by
Beth Mole
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jay Bhattacharya, the director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has also been appointed as the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an unusual dual role that has sparked criticism from researchers and public health experts. This move comes during a significant leadership shake-up at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), driven by anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was appointed as HHS Secretary earlier this year. It marks Bhattacharya's third consecutive leadership role for the CDC under Kennedy, following the ousting of two previous directors. This arrangement has raised concerns about the agency's independence and its ability to maintain trust with the public.
The appointment follows the removal of Susan Monarez, a microbiologist and long-time federal health official, who served as acting CDC director until her abrupt dismissal in July. Monarez was reportedly ousted after refusing to approve changes to vaccine recommendations proposed by Kennedy's anti-vaccine advisors. Her tenure was short-lived, lasting less than a month before she was replaced by Bhattacharya. This decision has been seen as part of a broader effort to align the CDC with Kennedy's anti-vaccine agenda, which many experts argue undermines public health efforts.
The controversy surrounding Bhattacharya's dual role and the frequent leadership changes at the CDC have renewed calls for accountability within HHS. Critics argue that such moves are driven by political ideology rather than scientific expertise, potentially compromising the agency's ability to respond effectively to public health crises. This situation highlights the growing tension between science-based policy-making and politically influenced decision-making in the tech and science sectors.
For readers interested in tech and science, this development underscores the importance of independent, evidence-based leadership in public health agencies. The ongoing shake-up at HHS raises questions about the integrity of data-driven policies and the potential long-term impacts on public trust in scientific institutions. As the CDC continues to navigate this uncertain landscape, the stakes for global health and safety remain high.
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Originally published on Ars Technica on 2/20/2026