President Trump’s nomination of Susan Monarez as CDC director is a grave disservice to the American people and a blatant attempt to undermine Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to revolutionize public health in the United States. This decision, coupled with the rejection of Dr. David Weldon, reeks of backroom deals and a desperate clinging to failed policies.
The House and Senate initially complained that Kennedy lacked a medical background for his HHS role. In response, Kennedy selected Dr. David Weldon, a physician and former congressman, to lead the CDC. This choice addressed concerns about medical expertise in key health positions. However, in a shocking turn of events, Trump pulled Weldon’s nomination just hours before his confirmation hearing, only to put forward Monarez, a Fauci cronie.
We are living in a world where children are prescribed mind-altering drugs at alarming rates, but no one tracks the consequences. This isn’t dystopian fiction—it’s happening today. As telehealth surges and is promoted by the US government, the behavioral health industry profits from prescribing dangerous psychiatric drugs to minors without accountability, while families remain powerless to report harms. The consequences of this unchecked industry are stark: systemic failures are now directly infringing on the basic human rights of children.
Every child has the right to protected from harm. Yet the U.S. government does not monitor how many children receive psychiatric drugs via telehealth, despite evidence of widespread off-label use. Adverse reactions like suicidal thoughts, weight gain, or diabetes are underreported, leaving families unaware of risks. Parents often aren’t told that medications are prescribed “off-label” (without FDA approval for children), violating their right to make informed choices. Studies show 55% of children experience serious side effects from antidepressants or antipsychotics, yet fewer than 1% of these cases are reported to systems like MEDWATCH. Without data, families can’t advocate for safer care. Despite the lack of safety protocols, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) features it on their website. Maybe the new secretary of the health & human services is unaware of the unequal access that is provided to the industry rather than to consumers on the website via telehealth. It is time for Secretary Kennedy to act by highlighting access to the critical MedWatch drug safety program for the consumers on the HHS website. It is time to demand collection of the appropriate data relating to mind altering psychiatric drugs.
