Dr. Rick Bright says he was ousted from his position as director of a top government vaccine agency after he pressed for a thorough vetting of a coronavirus treatment embraced by President Trump, the drug hydroxychloroquine.
“To this point, I have led the government’s efforts to invest in the best science available to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this resulted in clashes with HHS political leadership, including criticism for my proactive efforts to invest early in vaccines and supplies critical to saving American lives. I also resisted efforts to fund potentially dangerous drugs promoted by those with political connections," he said.
He contended his ouster in the middle of a pandemic is"placing politics and cronyism ahead of science" and"puts lives at risk." He said he would asked HHS's Inspector General to “investigate the manner in which this Administration has politicized the work of BARDA and has pressured me and other conscientious scientists to fund companies with political connections as well as efforts that lack scientific merit. Rushing blindly towards unproven drugs can be disastrous and result in countless more deaths. Science, in service to the health and safety of the American people, must always trump politics.
A source close to Bright told NBC News he “has not been given any information about his new role at NIH," and"will fight to return to his position leading BARDA, where he can continue to use his vast experience and skills to work to end this pandemic.”
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jimmy Kimmel Interviews Trump Pandemic Response Appointee, Dr. Zaius from 'Planet of the Apes'
Read more »
The Trump Organization Is Hoping the Trump Admin Will Give It a Break on RentHopefully the company knows someone on the inside.
Read more »
NYT: Trump family seeks rent break for DC hotel from Trump administrationThe Trump family business is asking the federal government to give President Donald Trump's hotel in Washington, DC, a break on its monthly lease payments during the coronavirus pandemic, The New York Times reported Tuesday.
Read more »
Trump Organization Asks Trump Administration for Leniency on D.C. Hotel LeaseTrump’s business has asked the administration to suspend rent payments for the Trump International Hotel in D.C., creating obvious ethical concerns.
Read more »
House oversight chair demands Trump administration not grant relief to Trump Organization amid pandemicThe Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., which sits on property owned by the government, has reportedly been seeking to alter monthly payments in its lease arrangement.
Read more »