A top CDC official resigns, citing conflicts with the Trump administration’s public health policy in his resignation letter. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis announced his departure, which was met with controversy over specific language.
Details of the Dr. Demetre Daskalakis Resignation Letter
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, posted his resignation letter on the social media platform X.
He stated, “I am writing to formally resign from my position… effective August 28, 2025, close of business.“
In the letter, Daskalakis accused the Trump administration of attempting to “erase transgender populations” and ceasing vital health programs. He cited the “recklessness of the administration” and its termination of “key research to support equity” as part of his decision.
CDC Official Resigns Amid Language Controversy
The resignation letter also drew criticism for its use of the term “pregnant people,” igniting a pregnant people controversy. Critics argued the language showed a misunderstanding of “basic biology.“
Jeremy Redfern, a communications director for Florida’s attorney general, called the resignation a “huge win for the Trump administration and the American people.” Karol Markowicz also stated, “No one who uses ‘pregnant people’ should work at the CDC.“
Ron DeSantis CDC Comments on Political Science
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also commented on the situation, suggesting that “trusting the science” has come to mean “following the political science.” He added that “embracing evidence-based medicine should be the bare minimum for working at the CDC.“
Daskalakis Issues Warning for Public Health
Daskalakis explained he is “unable to serve in an environment that treats CDC as a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality.” He claimed these policies are designed to hurt rather than improve public health.
He concluded by warning that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is on a “dangerous course.” Daskalakis urged HHS to reverse its path to avoid risking “our personal well-being and the security of the United States.“
