Jim O’Neill named acting CDC head as Trump battles over fed and secret service protection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is facing chaos in leadership as the White House moved to remove its director and replace her with Jim O’Neill, who is deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The move leaves the nation’s top public health agency reeling, since it comes during a period of turmoil and controversy.

Kennedy, who is leading the Department of Health and Human Services, has been trying to advance anti-vaccine policies, which are contradicted by decades of scientific research. Two administration officials said Jim O’Neill, currently the second-in-command at HHS, will take the place of Susan Monarez, a longtime government scientist, as per the AP report.

Jim O’Neill new CDC acting head without medical background

O’Neill does not have a medical background, he served at the federal health department under President George W. Bush, and is a former investment executive. U.S. President Trump revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, according to a senior White House official. Normally, former vice presidents get Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents get it for life.

But another person familiar with the matter said then-President Joe Biden quietly signed a directive that extended protection for Harris beyond the standard six months. These details were given on condition of anonymity on Friday, because the decision had not been made public, according to the report by AP.

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Trump faces legal fight over firing Federal Reserve governor

Trump had no public events scheduled today. It is not unusual for a president to spend a day away from the spotlight. On Thursday, Trump received an intelligence briefing and signed executive orders, but both activities were closed to the news media. A separate major case is now unfolding with the Federal Reserve.

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has asked for an emergency injunction to block President Trump’s attempt to fire her. This legal battle could give the Trump administration new and expansive power over the Federal Reserve, which has traditionally been independent. Cook is facing accusations that she committed mortgage fraud while purchasing a home and a condo in 2021. She was appointed to the Federal Reserve board in 2022 by former President Joe Biden, as stated by AP report.

If Trump’s firing of Cook goes through, it would weaken the Fed’s independence from politics, something that has existed for 112 years. No U.S. president has ever fired a Federal Reserve governor before. Many economists argue that Fed independence is very important, because it allows the central bank to take unpopular decisions like raising interest rates to control inflation.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Jim O’Neill, the new acting CDC head?
Jim O’Neill is the deputy at the Department of Health and Human Services, a former investment executive, and ex-official under President George W. Bush, but he has no medical background.

Q2. Why is Trump trying to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook?
Trump is attempting to fire Lisa Cook over mortgage fraud allegations, but experts warn this move could end the Federal Reserve’s 112-year tradition of political independence.