Health Care

Calif. hires ex-CDC leaders critical of Trump to launch public health agency

There is an escalating dispute between Democratic-led states and the administration’s leading health officials.

Stephanie Akin

03:59 PM, Dec 15, 2025

Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez testifies at a Senate committee hearing to examine recent events at CDC and implications for children’s health, on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

California hired two former top officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who criticized the Trump administration to launch a new public health agency.

The Public Health Network Innovation Exchange, announced Monday by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, is charged with driving innovation, strengthening collaboration across states and institutions, and improving communication with the public. 

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