Chicago March 29, 2025
Dr. Peter Marks, the top vaccine official at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced his resignation on Friday, citing disagreements with his boss, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Marks, who played a key role in developing COVID-19 vaccines during the Trump administration, criticized Kennedy’s handling of truth and transparency. In his resignation letter, Marks wrote, “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”.
The scientific community expressed disappointment over Marks’ resignation. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, praised Marks as “one of the most brilliant, dedicated scientists and public servants”.
Marks, who will officially leave the agency on April 5, said he is departing with “a heavy heart.” He commended his staff, saying, “I leave behind a staff of professionals who are undoubtedly the most devoted to protecting and promoting the public health of any group of people that I have encountered”.
