RFK Jr.'s deputy O'Neill takes control of CDC amid mass exodus

Jim O'Neill was appointed acting CDC director on August 28, 2025, replacing fired Susan Monarez. She refused to implement Kennedy's anti-vaccine policies after less than one month in the confirmed position.

Jim O'Neill was appointed acting CDC director on August 28, 2025, replacing fired Susan Monarez. She refused to implement Kennedy's anti-vaccine policies after less than one month in the confirmed position.

Jim O'Neill has bachelor's and master's degrees in humanities with zero medical, science, or public health training. He'll oversee the $9.7 billion agency responsible for disease surveillance and epidemic response.

The resignations also included Dr. Daniel Jernigan (emerging diseases) and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis (immunization and respiratory diseases). They cited Kennedy's 'unscientific, reckless directives.'

O'Neill co-founded Thiel Fellowship with Peter Thiel, offering $200,000 to college-age entrepreneurs who drop out of school. This reflects an anti-institutional education philosophy.

He previously served as CEO of Thiel Foundation and managed projects including Seasteading Institute. The group develops floating islands outside territorial waters to escape government regulation.

During George W. Bush's administration (2002-2008), O'Neill worked at HHS as principal associate deputy secretary. He focused on food safety regulations and emergency response.

During George W. Bush's administration (2002-2008), O'Neill held multiple HHS roles: Director of Speech/Editorial Division (2002-2005), Associate Deputy Secretary (2005-2007), and Principal Associate Deputy Secretary (2007-2008), focusing on FDA, NIH, food safety, and emergency response.