Nine former officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have publicly denounced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as “unlike anything our country has ever experienced” and “unacceptable.” In a guest essay published in the New York Times, these former CDC leaders expressed grave concerns over Kennedy's actions, stating that they should alarm every American, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The urgency of their message comes shortly after Kennedy attempted to dismiss Susan Monarez, the CDC director he appointed only months prior. Monarez, who refused to resign, was eventually terminated by former President Donald Trump. Her legal representatives noted that the conflict arose after she declined to comply with Kennedy's directives.
In the essay titled “We Ran the C.D.C.: Kennedy Is Endangering Every American’s Health,” notable figures such as Rochelle P. Walensky, Mandy Cohen, and Tom Frieden voiced their alarm regarding Kennedy’s focus on unproven treatments while undermining the importance of vaccines. They criticized his cancellation of vital medical research, which they believe will leave the nation unprepared for future health emergencies. Furthermore, the former officials accused Kennedy of replacing qualified experts on federal health advisory committees with individuals who share his controversial and unscientific views.
In another significant political development, Representative Jerry Nadler, a prominent Democrat from Manhattan, revealed that he will not seek re-election in 2026, concluding a remarkable 34-year tenure. According to an interview cited by the New York Times, Nadler, 78, has expressed a desire for a younger generation of Democrats to take the helm as the party faces challenges regarding leadership age and generational change.
Nadler's comments come in light of President Joe Biden's decision to step down late in the 2024 presidential campaign amid concerns regarding his age. “Watching the Biden situation really highlighted the need for generational change in the party, and I want to respect that,” Nadler stated.
Former President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. This announcement follows Giuliani's recent serious car accident. Once celebrated for his leadership in New York post-9/11, Giuliani has faced significant controversy, including sanctions from courts and disbarment for promoting false claims about the 2020 presidential election. Despite being criminally charged in two states, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Trump praised Giuliani on his Truth Social platform, calling him the “greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot.” Over the past two decades, Giuliani's reputation has experienced a dramatic transformation, moving from a national hero to a controversial figure embroiled in legal battles.
In another noteworthy event, President Trump is scheduled to make an announcement from the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM ET. While the White House has not disclosed specific details, speculation suggests the announcement may relate to plans for deploying National Guard troops to Chicago as part of an immigration enforcement strategy.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border tsar Tom Homan have indicated that ICE raids are expected to intensify nationwide, potentially utilizing the Great Lakes Naval Station near Chicago as a staging area. Chicago's mayor has signaled that his office is preparing for the imminent deployment of federal officers.
As Labor Day rallies unfolded across the nation, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vehemently opposed the Trump administration's threats to deploy federal troops in the city for immigration enforcement. Speaking at the “Workers over Billionaires” demonstration in Chicago’s West Loop, Johnson proclaimed, “No federal troops in the city of Chicago,” emphasizing a commitment to defend democracy and uphold the dignity of every resident.
Johnson led the crowd in chants of “No troops in Chicago” and “Invest in Chicago,” in response to the anticipated troop deployment. Protesters also gathered outside Trump Tower, expressing their dissent through anti-Trump slogans. These rallies, part of a broader national movement, sought to advocate for the protection of social safety nets and demand investment in public services.
As Congress reconvenes after a month-long recess, lawmakers are faced with the urgent task of preventing a government shutdown by the end of September. With bipartisan divisions and frustrations stemming from the Trump administration's budgetary decisions, the annual spending negotiations are expected to dominate the September agenda.
Senate Republicans may consider altering chamber rules to circumvent Democratic stalling tactics, while House Republicans continue investigations into President Biden. Amidst these challenges, Congress must agree on a funding extension to avoid a shutdown as federal funding approaches expiration.
Senator Chris Murphy recently highlighted on social media that “Trump is rooting for a shutdown,” indicating the political stakes involved in the negotiations. Lawmakers will need to secure bipartisan support to pass a short-term spending measure while navigating the complexities of budgetary demands and political posturing.
