In a recent development, two former top National Institutes of Health officials have come forward with whistleblower complaints detailing the Trump administration’s interference in vaccine science funding. These complaints shed light on the actions of Matthew Memoli, the agency’s deputy director, in implementing these controversial policies.
The complaints, filed by the former directors of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Fogarty International Center, allege that they were unlawfully forced out of their positions in retaliation for voicing concerns about the cancellation of grants and increased political involvement in decision-making. They claim that the administration terminated grants to external researchers working on topics deemed undesirable by the White House and bypassed scientific peer review in a half-billion-dollar flu vaccine study program.
Jeanne Marrazzo, the former director of NIAID, emphasized the importance of sharing the internal workings of the NIH to complement the existing narrative surrounding the CDC’s actions. She stressed the need for transparency and accountability in understanding the full extent of the administration’s impact on vaccine research and infectious disease initiatives.
This exclusive report provides a unique perspective on the challenges faced by NIH officials under the Trump administration and highlights the critical role of scientific integrity in shaping public health policies. Stay informed about the latest developments in biomedical research and vaccine science by subscribing to STAT+ for daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry. Unlock this article and access a wealth of valuable insights by joining our community of subscribers today.
