Just weeks after being confirmed by the Senate, CDC Director Susan Monarez has been removed from her role. The Department of Health and Human Services announced on X Wednesday that Monarez is “no longer director” following a brief tenure. Multiple top HHS officials, including the CDC vaccine unit director, have also resigned.

An anonymous HHS official stated Monarez was repeatedly pressured to resign by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other senior leaders but refused. A White House call reportedly urged her to step down by day’s end or face termination, though she remained in position. The HHS spokesperson cited the X post thanking Monarez for her service.

Three CDC leaders—Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Director Demetre Daskalakis, and National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Director Daniel Jernigan—resigned after the news broke. Monarez had been directed to terminate senior staff by week’s end during a Monday meeting with Kennedy and HHS Principal Deputy Chief of Staff Stefanie Spear.

Monarez, confirmed as CDC director about a month ago, faced criticism from public health experts who viewed her as a counterbalance to Kennedy’s policies. The move coincides with Kennedy revoking the Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID vaccine, restricting eligibility and requiring doctor consultations before vaccination.

The HHS did not provide an explicit reason for Monarez’s removal, but sources suggest her opposition to Kennedy’s plans played a role. Monarez has a history of supporting vaccination programs, according to reports.