FDA vaccine chief resigns, cites Kennedy's 'misinformation' on vaccine safety

(TNND) — Dr. Peter Marks, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) top vaccine official, has resigned and criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for promoting “misinformation and lies” about vaccine safety.

In a letter obtained by the Associated Press, Marks told Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner he would step down by April 5, saying he was “willing to work” to address Kennedy’s concerns but found it impossible.

“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,” Marks wrote.

A former FDA official said Kennedy gave Marks the choice to resign or be fired. Despite pledging during Senate confirmation hearings not to alter vaccine policy, Kennedy has since questioned childhood vaccine safety, contradicting decades of scientific evidence.

Marks, who led the FDA’s COVID-19 vaccine approval process and helped launch “Operation Warp Speed,” faced past criticism from former President Trump, who blamed vaccine timing for his 2020 loss.

Vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit called Marks’ ousting “a sad day for America’s children.” Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said the situation “should be frightening” for anyone who values science-based policy.

Marks’ departure follows broader turmoil at HHS, which announced 10,000 layoffs and agency closures. Kennedy recently criticized the department’s 82,000 workers and called HHS a “sprawling bureaucracy.”