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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday announced the appointment of two high-profile public health scientists who were recently forced out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following disputes with the Trump administration over vaccine policy — a move widely seen as a direct rebuke of federal health leadership.
Former CDC director Dr. Susan Monarez has been named head of California’s newly established Public Health Network Innovation Exchange (PHNIX), a state-led initiative aimed at modernizing public health infrastructure and restoring trust in science-based decision-making. Monarez was removed from her position in August, less than a month after assuming the role, after clashing with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine guidance and public messaging.
Newsom also announced the appointment of Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC’s former chief medical officer, who stepped down after more than a decade at the agency in the aftermath of Monarez’s dismissal.
A Clear Message From California
The dual appointments send a clear signal that California intends to chart its own course on public health policy, particularly as debates over vaccines and federal oversight continue to intensify nationwide.
Both Monarez and Houry testified before Congress in September, where they raised concerns about Secretary Kennedy’s vaccine policies and broader structural changes being implemented within the U.S. public health system. During the hearings, the scientists warned that political interference risked undermining public confidence and weakening the country’s ability to respond to future health emergencies.
Governor Newsom praised their willingness to speak out.
“California will continue to stand with science, data, and transparency,” Newsom said in a statement. “These are leaders who put public health first — even when it comes at a personal cost.”
What Is PHNIX?
The Public Health Network Innovation Exchange is designed to function as a statewide hub for:
- Disease surveillance and data integration
- Vaccine education and public outreach
- Emergency preparedness and rapid response
- Collaboration between state, local, and academic health institutions
State officials say PHNIX will play a key role in ensuring California remains prepared for future pandemics while countering misinformation.
Political Reaction
Supporters of Newsom’s decision applauded the move as a bold defense of scientific integrity, arguing that Monarez and Houry were sidelined for challenging controversial vaccine positions within the Trump administration.
Critics, however, accused the governor of politicizing public health and deepening partisan divides at a time when trust in institutions remains fragile.
Regardless of political reaction, the appointments position California at the center of an ongoing national debate over the role of science, politics, and independence in shaping public health policy.
