Dr. Peter Marks, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, has announced his resignation, effective April 5. As the head of the division responsible for overseeing the safety and efficacy of vaccines in the United States, Marks played a central role in guiding national vaccine policy and approval.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Marks submitted a strongly worded resignation letter that directly criticized U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In his letter, Marks wrote, “It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the [US Health and Human Services (HHS)] Secretary [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.], but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”

Marks’ departure marks a significant rupture between scientific leadership and political oversight within one of the country’s most critical health agencies. The statement indicates a deep concern about the direction of scientific integrity and transparency under current leadership.

Responding to the resignation, an HHS official issued a statement via email, quoted by CNN, defending the Secretary’s stance. “If Marks didn’t want to get behind restoring science to its golden standard and promoting radical transparency, then he has no place at FDA under the strong leadership of Secretary Kennedy,” the official stated.

The exchange reflects a profound disagreement on principles of science, transparency, and governance within federal health institutions. Marks’ resignation is expected to raise questions about the independence of regulatory science and the role of political influence in health policy moving forward.