Top US Vaccine Official Resigns Over RFK Jr.'s Misinformation
Peter Marks, the FDA's top vaccine official, resigned after accusing Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of spreading misinformation about vaccines, particularly amidst concerns over a measles outbreak and COVID-19 vaccine safety.
Published on March 30, 2025
Dr. Peter Marks, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, resigned on March 29, 2025, citing the propagation of misinformation by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Marks accused Kennedy of promoting vaccine skepticism, particularly in light of his misleading comments during a recent measles outbreak and regarding COVID-19 vaccines.
In his statement, Marks reiterated the critical role of established vaccines like the MMR, which he noted are highly effective and do not cause autism. The resignation underscores growing tensions within the administration over the handling of public health messaging and vaccine safety, with several major outlets, including the Financial Times and Reuters, reporting on the controversial departure of the FDA's top vaccine official.