Top FDA Official Sought YouTubeS Removal of Videos Criticizing His Covid Vaccine Statements
Washington D.C. – A leading Food and Drug Management (FDA) official, Dr. Philip Krause, repeatedly requested YouTube remove videos featuring him discussing his concerns about the agency’s booster shot strategy and the potential for waning immunity from Covid-19 vaccines, according to documents released this week. The requests, made during the Trump administration and continuing into the Biden administration, raise questions about clarity and potential pressure on public discourse regarding vaccine policy.
The documents, obtained through a Freedom of information Act request by the conservative advocacy group empowered Patients Coalition, reveal Dr. Krause contacted YouTube on multiple occasions in 2021,expressing dissatisfaction with how his statements from public FDA meetings were being presented and interpreted in online videos. He specifically targeted videos that highlighted his cautions about the data supporting booster shots for all adults, arguing they misrepresented his views and contributed to vaccine hesitancy. The requests coincided with a period of intense political pressure surrounding vaccine rollout and booster campaigns.
Dr.Krause, then the FDA’s Office of Vaccines Research and Review director, voiced concerns during an FDA advisory committee meeting in September 2021 that the available data did not definitively demonstrate a need for booster shots for the general population. He argued the agency needed more robust evidence of waning immunity and increased risk of severe illness before recommending a widespread booster program. These comments were widely reported and circulated online.
According to the released emails, Dr. Krause argued the YouTube videos lacked context and selectively edited his remarks, leading to a “misleading” narrative. He claimed the videos fueled anti-vaccine sentiment and undermined public trust in the FDA. He requested YouTube either remove the videos or add disclaimers clarifying his position. YouTube ultimately did not remove the videos but did add some informational panels to certain content.
The Empowered Patients Coalition alleges the requests represent an attempt to control the narrative surrounding vaccine policy and suppress dissenting scientific viewpoints. “This is a disturbing example of a government official attempting to censor public discussion about important health issues,” saeid Ryan Cole, a spokesperson for the group.
The FDA has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.The release of these documents comes as public trust in government health agencies remains a key challenge, and as debates continue regarding ongoing Covid-19 vaccination strategies.
