Why a Top Vaccine Expert Resigned from the CDC: ‘Americans Are Going to Die’

In a striking and emotional resignation, Dr. Amanda Cohn, a leading vaccine expert at the CDC, has stepped down, citing bureaucratic inertia, political interference, and delayed decision-making as threats to American lives. Her statement—'Americans are going to die'—reflects deep frustration over the CDC's failure to act swiftly on vaccine approvals for COVID-19, RSV, and flu, despite clear scientific evidence and FDA clearance. Cohn, who served over two decades and led numerous immunization initiatives, warned that fear of backlash and political optics have paralyzed decision-making, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. Her resignation sheds light on growing dysfunction within the CDC, where scientific consensus is often overridden by cautious leadership unwilling to provoke controversy. Former colleagues describe her departure as a major loss, emphasizing her role in vaccine access for underserved communities and during the pandemic. The incident reignites debate over the politicization of public health, with critics urging structural reforms to protect scientific integrity, speed up vaccine deployment, and rebuild public trust. Cohn’s call for courage and clarity within the CDC resonates amid rising vaccine hesitancy, declining immunization rates, and increasing infectious disease threats. Without changes, she warns, preventable suffering will become normalized through administrative failure. Her exit, praised but unaddressed by the CDC, leaves a sobering reminder that lives are on the line when public health institutions are compromised.