0
0
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a dramatic development that has shaken the foundations of the U.S. health sector, the top vaccine official at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has resigned, alleging that the newly appointed Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is promoting “misinformation and lies.”
Reports from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal indicate that Dr. Peter Marks, a key figure in the nation’s vaccine division, was effectively forced out following Kennedy’s assumption of office. Dr. Marks, who has served at the FDA since 2012 and played a critical role in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, reportedly penned a scathing resignation letter.
In his letter, as cited by the newspapers, Dr. Marks expressed deep concern over what he described as an “unprecedented assault on scientific truth” being propagated by Secretary Kennedy and his supporters. “It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the Secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies,” he wrote.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his long-standing skepticism towards vaccines and his promotion of unsubstantiated theories linking them to childhood diseases, was appointed by President Donald Trump during his second term. This appointment has drawn significant criticism from the scientific community. Last year, 75 Nobel laureates publicly urged the U.S. Senate to oppose Kennedy’s nomination. However, he was confirmed in February, with only one Republican senator voting against his confirmation.
The resignation of Dr. Marks marks a significant departure from the Trump administration’s previous stance, which, during his first term, heavily promoted “Project Warp Speed” and the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.
In response to Dr. Marks’ resignation, an HHS spokesman, as quoted by the Wall Street Journal, stated that if Dr. Marks “does not want to get behind restoring science to its golden standard and promoting radical transparency, then he has no place at FDA under the strong leadership of Secretary Kennedy.”
This incident has ignited a fierce debate about the role of scientific integrity in public health policy and the potential impact of misinformation on public trust.
© 2025 AFP
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available at the time of writing and should not be taken as an endorsement of any specific claims or opinions. The situation is developing, and further updates may emerge. It is important to consult with trusted medical and scientific sources for accurate and up-to-date information regarding vaccines and public health.
