For the CDC, Friday didn’t sound like science -- it sounded like revolt.
Dozens of CDC staff members staged a dramatic walkout, clapping, chanting, and lining the sidewalks of the agency’s Atlanta headquarters. The unusual “clap out” protest, where staff cheer and clap to support departing colleagues, came in response to a wave of high-profile firings and resignations.
Director escorted out weeks after appointment
At the center of the storm was CDC director Susan Monarez, who was escorted from the building in the morning, just weeks after being sworn in. Her lawyers immediately disputed claims she had resigned, while the White House confirmed she was terminated.
Mass resignations of top officials
Monarez was not alone. Senior leaders including Demetre Daskalakis, head of immunization and respiratory diseases, Debra Houry, chief medical officer, and Daniel Jernigan, director of emerging infectious diseases, all departed.
Daskalakis warned that recent vaccine policies amounted to an “intentional eroding of trust in low-risk vaccines” and would put lives at risk.
Kennedy’s policies at the center of the storm
The upheaval traces directly back to health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, whose sweeping policy changes and vaccine skepticism have upended the CDC since he assumed office eight months ago. Staff say his approach has triggered layoffs, terminated grants, and a wave of senior departures.
Tensions boil after shooting at CDC headquarters
The unrest intensified after a shooting inside CDC headquarters earlier this month, an event that left employees shaken. For many, it symbolized the toxic environment they believe Kennedy has created.
Employees go public with anger
On August 20, more than 750 HHS employees signed a letter to Kennedy and Congress, accusing him of fueling harassment and violence against federal health workers. Thursday’s walkout marked the most visible act of defiance yet.
A system in crisis
“The agency feels abandoned and betrayed,” one staffer at the protest said, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal. “This is not reform, this is demolition.”
The clap-out protest, once a ritual of farewell, has become a symbol of rebellion, exposing the widening rift between Kennedy’s leadership and America’s top health institution.
Dozens of CDC staff members staged a dramatic walkout, clapping, chanting, and lining the sidewalks of the agency’s Atlanta headquarters. The unusual “clap out” protest, where staff cheer and clap to support departing colleagues, came in response to a wave of high-profile firings and resignations.
Director escorted out weeks after appointment
At the center of the storm was CDC director Susan Monarez, who was escorted from the building in the morning, just weeks after being sworn in. Her lawyers immediately disputed claims she had resigned, while the White House confirmed she was terminated.
CDC employees staged a mass walkout today to protest the changes RFK Jr is making.
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) August 29, 2025
Should RFK Jr just fire them all and rebuild the agency? The CDC has lost so much credibility after Covid that this could rebuild confidence in this govt agency.pic.twitter.com/Jmbqdz75Pe
Mass resignations of top officials
Monarez was not alone. Senior leaders including Demetre Daskalakis, head of immunization and respiratory diseases, Debra Houry, chief medical officer, and Daniel Jernigan, director of emerging infectious diseases, all departed.
Daskalakis warned that recent vaccine policies amounted to an “intentional eroding of trust in low-risk vaccines” and would put lives at risk.
Kennedy’s policies at the center of the storm
The upheaval traces directly back to health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, whose sweeping policy changes and vaccine skepticism have upended the CDC since he assumed office eight months ago. Staff say his approach has triggered layoffs, terminated grants, and a wave of senior departures.
Tensions boil after shooting at CDC headquarters
The unrest intensified after a shooting inside CDC headquarters earlier this month, an event that left employees shaken. For many, it symbolized the toxic environment they believe Kennedy has created.
Dozens of workers have walked out and four top officials have resigned in protest at the Centers for Disease Control following Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's decision to fire CDC Director Susan Monarez. @marykbruce reports. https://t.co/s5Xp44Fi65 pic.twitter.com/qENXzWVac0
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) August 29, 2025
Employees go public with anger
On August 20, more than 750 HHS employees signed a letter to Kennedy and Congress, accusing him of fueling harassment and violence against federal health workers. Thursday’s walkout marked the most visible act of defiance yet.
A system in crisis
“The agency feels abandoned and betrayed,” one staffer at the protest said, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal. “This is not reform, this is demolition.”
The clap-out protest, once a ritual of farewell, has become a symbol of rebellion, exposing the widening rift between Kennedy’s leadership and America’s top health institution.
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