(LibertySociety.com) – Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky announced her resignation to President Joe Biden on Friday, May 5th, 2023, and will be leaving her post on June 30th, 2023. Prior to leading the agency, Walensky worked as an infectious disease specialist. She testified multiple times in front of Congress and was occasionally criticized for mixed messaging Walensky penned a letter to President Biden informing him of her resignation, reportedly expressing “mixed feelings” about her decision to resign but did not elaborate further. Walensky noted that since the health emergency is ending soon, it will be an appropriate time to transition to a new director.
During her time at the CDC, Walensky faced tough criticism from Republicans, including from Representative Greg Murphy, R-N.C., a Urologist, who called on her to resign in March 2022 after he accused her of using “language verbatim from the American Federation of Teachers in CDC guidance,” which he said should never happen. He accused Walensky of putting politics over science regarding guidance for reopening schools. Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, accused Walensky of ignoring the fentanyl crisis, asking her if she would use Title 42 to curb the flow of the drug across the southern border. Walensky sidestepped the question, although she did say that discussions were underway to officially declare a public health emergency.
Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna of California recommended a new director over a year ago, complaining of a messaging problem from the CDC, also insinuating that Walensky lacks compassion.
The CDC is based in Atlanta, Georgia, employing over 12,000 people, and is tasked with protecting the public from diseases by identifying and educating Americans on the latest health concerns and basic prevention guidelines. A new director has not been named to fill Walensky’s position.
Copyright 2023, LibertySociety.com
