CDC Official Resigns Over 'Pregnant People' Terminology; Karoline Leavitt and White House Criticize Language and Vision

Karoline Leavitt and other officials have criticized a recent resignation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) involving a senior official who used the term "pregnant people" in his departure statement. This terminology, along with the inclusion of pronouns in the resignation letter, has drawn sharp rebuke from members of the current administration and conservative commentators. Leavitt stated that an individual who identifies pregnant women as "pregnant people" is not someone they want in the administration. The White House Press Secretary echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that officials not aligned with President Biden's and Secretary Kennedy's vision for public health will be shown the door. The resignation reportedly relates to concerns over the CDC's new vaccination schedule for pregnant individuals. Conservative media figures, including Scott Jennings, have dismissed the credibility of the resigning official based on the language used in the resignation letter. Additionally, a White House official, Lindsey Halligan, commented on broader cultural issues, stating that the president desires more positivity and patriotism, and criticizing the idea that the majority of the population should adjust their morals to accommodate a small minority. The resignation and ensuing debate highlight ongoing tensions within public health leadership and political discourse over language and policy approaches related to gender and health.