Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has terminated Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, a senior official at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Marrazzo, previously head of the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), had filed a whistleblower complaint against the Trump administration for alleged bias against vaccines. She was demoted in March from her leadership role at NIAID.

Marrazzzo stated her firing reflected a lack of commitment to scientific integrity and public health, urging Congress to shield research from political interference. She previously criticized Kennedy Jr., attributing her demotion to defending childhood vaccines. Last month, she disclosed that Dr. Matthew Memoli, who held a high NIH role, allegedly downplayed vaccine importance, mirroring views associated with Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic.

Marrazzo claimed Memoli argued vaccines were unnecessary for healthy populations and that the NIH should avoid prioritizing them. She described the remarks as echoing Kennedy Jr.’s skepticism. A letter from Kennedy Jr. confirmed her termination. Marrazzo’s lawyer alleged retaliation for whistleblower activities, while an HHS spokesperson denied the claims, stating her dismissal was unrelated to the allegations.