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In a Gizmodo interview, former CDC leader Demetre Daskalakis portrays the agency in crisis under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing mass firings, a reshaped vaccine advisory panel, and policy changes announced without scientific review. He and other senior officials resigned after director Susan Monarez was fired; he says staffing is down about a quarter. Daskalakis describes a deadly shooting that traumatized workers and alleges political interference by acting director Jim O’Neill and the administration. He argues federal public health is now compromised and urges rebuilding through state and local efforts rather than a damaged CDC.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.