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 submitted a whistleblower complaint alleging systemic resistance to vaccines within the Trump administration. She was demoted in March from her leadership role at NIAID prior to her recent dismissal.
In a public statement, Marrazzo criticized the HHS and NIH for lacking commitment to scientific integrity and public health. She urged Congress to shield research from political interference, citing concerns over vaccine safety. Marrazzo had previously labeled RFK Jr. as “dangerous” and attributed her demotion to her advocacy for childhood vaccinations.
The allegations in Marrazzo’s complaint centered on Dr. Matthew Memoli, who served as acting NIH director before transitioning to a deputy role. She alleged that Memoli downplayed the importance of vaccines, echoing views associated with RFK Jr., a known vaccine skeptic. Marrazzo claimed Memoli argued that “vaccines are unnecessary if populations are healthy” and that the NIH should avoid prioritizing vaccination efforts.
Marrazzo received a termination notice from RFK Jr. earlier this week. Her lawyer accused HHS of retaliating against her for raising concerns about public health policies, including the cancellation of grant funding and clinical trials. A separate complaint by Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, former director of the NIH’s Fogarty International Center, alleged similar retaliatory actions. Both women had been on administrative leave since April, awaiting reassignments that never materialized.
An HHS spokesperson denied claims of retaliation, stating Marrazzo’s termination was unrelated to her whistleblower activities. The agency also dismissed Neuzil’s allegations without further comment.