Rochelle Walensky, head of CDC, resigns citing pandemic transition
PBS NewsHourDec 24, 2022
The Facts
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky announced Friday that she will leave the agency at the end of June, thanking Pres. Biden for her appointment to the position in her resignation letter.
During her tenure, Walensky oversaw the administration of over 670M COVID vaccine doses and provided guidance on social distancing and mask-wearing.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Using her expertise, courage, and leadership, Walensky saved many American lives during the unprecedented time of her tenure. She took a complex organization and geared it toward the sharp, focused goal of leading the country out of the darkness of the pandemic and into a post-COVID future. Every American should be grateful for Walensky's service to the American public.
Republican narrative
Walensky was an unacceptable public health leader, and the proof is shown through the wild inconsistency of messaging to Congress and the American people. After her claim that "vaccinated people do not carry the virus, they do not get sick" was proven false, she defended herself by arguing that that's what the data showed at the time. This was just one of many issues, including not listening to parents, that caused deep frustration for the American people.
Cynical narrative
Walensky's time as CDC director exemplified the disorganized, mechanical, and often detached nature of America's public health system. She was often at odds with both Republicans and the Biden admin., leaving no encouraging legacy as she steps down from the position. We don't know who will replace her, but hopefully, it's someone competent enough to whip the agency and the national public health apparatus into shape and restore more respect for human life.
