The White House is defending Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after a chaotic week at the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that led to calls for his removal.
On Friday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called Kennedy, also known as RFK Jr, a crown jewel of this administration.
Earlier this week, CDC Chief Dr. Susan Monarez was fired because she was not aligned with the president's agenda, the White House said in a statement, and was replaced by RFK Jr's deputy Jim O'Neill.
At least three senior CDC leaders have since resigned over frustrations about Kennedy's leadership and vaccine policy. The unease led to some lawmakers calling for his resignation.
Miller called Kennedy one of the world's foremost voices, advocates and experts on public health, asserting that he is engaged in efforts to restore the credibility and integrity of the CDC.
Kennedy does not hold a medical degree and had a background in law before Trump appointed him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees numerous health agencies, including the CDC.
The BBC reached out to HHS and representatives for Kennedy for comments.
The turmoil follows the CDC permanently firing 600 employees earlier this month, according to a union representing the workers.
The layoffs included essential staff engaged in the government's response to infectious diseases and efforts addressing environmental hazards.
Since taking office, Kennedy has made funding cuts and changes to how the US recommends and regulates immunizations, which have left many public health experts alarmed.
Former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned recently, expressed worry over the impact of Kennedy's policies, arguing that they lack scientific integrity and could jeopardize public health efforts.
Critics from both parties, including some Democratic senators, have joined the call for Kennedy's resignation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Trump must fire RFK Jr. immediately, citing a disastrous leadership choice.
On the Republican side, Senator Susan Collins raised concerns about the recent changes at the CDC, suggesting there was no reason to dismiss Monarez.
Kennedy has reached out to CDC employees following the upheaval, expressing his commitment to restoring the agency's credibility and ensuring that science guides every decision moving forward.
