NEW YORK (AP) — The nation’s top public health agency was left reeling Thursday as the White House worked to expel the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director and replace her with a top adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The turmoil triggered rare bipartisan alarm as Kennedy tries to advance anti-vaccine policies that are contradicted by decades of scientific research.

Two administration officials said Jim O’Neill, a former investment executive, would supplant Susan Monarez, a longtime government scientist. O’Neill worked at the Department of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush, but he does not have a medical background. The officials requested anonymity to discuss personnel decisions before a public announcement.

A flashpoint is expected

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