HHS Confirms Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill Out

CDC remains without permanent leadership more than a year into the second Trump administration

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed on Monday that Jim O'Neill, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has left the agency. O'Neill's final day was on Friday, but HHS did not provide any official statement regarding his departure or the agency's leadership plans going forward. The CDC has been without a permanent director for most of the past year, raising concerns about the agency's stability and preparedness for emergencies.

Why it matters

The lack of permanent leadership at the CDC is a major concern for public health experts, as the agency plays a crucial role in protecting Americans from health threats, both global and domestic. The continued leadership vacuum at the CDC could lead to instability and a lack of focused direction, leaving the country less prepared for emergencies.

The details

HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said via email that O'Neill's final day at the CDC was Friday, but Nixon offered no official statement regarding O'Neill's departure, nor did he answer questions regarding the agency's leadership plan going forward. The CDC has been without a permanent director for most of the past year, since President Donald J. Trump fired the previous director, Susan Monarez, PhD, in July 2025 after she had only been in the role for 29 days.

  • O'Neill's final day at the CDC was on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The CDC has been without a permanent director for most of the past year, since President Trump fired the previous director, Susan Monarez, PhD, in July 2025.

The players

Jim O'Neill

The former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Susan Monarez, PhD

The previous CDC director who was fired by President Trump in July 2025 after only 29 days in the role.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Debra Houry, MD, MPH

A former CDC official who resigned in protest after Monarez was fired, and who is now expressing concerns about the leadership vacuum at the agency.

Tom Frieden, MD, MPH

The CDC director during the Obama administration, who has described the CDC's current situation as "dangerous" and said the agency needs a medical expert to lead it.

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What they’re saying

“This continued leadership vacuum causes instability and a lack of focused direction in the agency, leaving us less prepared for emergencies.”

— Debra Houry, MD, MPH, Former CDC official (Healio)

“The CDC director's most important responsibilities are to lead the CDC so that it effectively protects Americans from health threats, both global and domestic; uphold scientific integrity and transparency; and communicate clearly and honestly with clinicians, policymakers and the public. Those functions are essential to keep Americans safe.”

— Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, Former CDC director (Healio)

What’s next

The Biden administration will need to quickly nominate a permanent CDC director to fill the leadership void and ensure the agency can effectively carry out its public health mission.

The takeaway

The continued lack of permanent leadership at the CDC is a significant concern for public health experts, as it could undermine the agency's ability to protect Americans from health threats and respond effectively to emergencies. Filling this leadership vacancy should be a top priority for the Biden administration.