Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine scientist and one of the people behind the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, is out.
The Trump administration forced him to resign Friday, just as the U.S. faces a rising measles outbreak. The push reportedly came straight from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In his resignation letter, Marks didn’t hold back. He slammed RFK Jr. for demanding what he called “subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies” about vaccines. Not exactly a quiet exit.
Marks led the FDA’s vaccine center for years. He was a steady, trusted voice during the pandemic and played a key role in getting emergency COVID-19 vaccines approved fast but safely. He also pushed forward gene therapy and biologics regulation. Now he’s out, and not by choice.
This move is part of a bigger shake-up. RFK Jr. has been overhauling federal health agencies since stepping into the HHS role. He’s been open about his distrust of vaccine protocols, and this ousting sends a loud message to other scientists in leadership: fall in line or get out.
RFK Jr.’s changes haven’t gone unnoticed. Scientists and health leaders are calling this a dangerous precedent. The U.S. is currently battling rising measles cases, and removing the country’s top vaccine official now? Not a great look.
The concern isn’t just about one resignation. It’s about what comes next. Will the FDA lose more key people? How far will this administration go in reshaping vaccine policy? Public trust in health institutions was already shaky, this isn’t helping.
Stay tuned. This story’s just getting started.
