Robert Malone Resigns from CDC Advisory Panel Amidst HHS Drama
Robert Malone, the former vice chair of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), resigned from his position Tuesday, citing a public dispute with a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The resignation follows a recent federal judge’s ruling that temporarily blocked changes to the U.S. Vaccine schedule and questioned the legality of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s overhaul of the ACIP panel.
Malone’s departure was triggered by a disagreement with HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon regarding the fate of the ACIP following the court ruling. According to Malone, Nixon publicly contradicted his statement about whether an appeal of the judge’s injunction would be pursued. “After Andrew trashing me with the press, I am done with the CDC and ACIP,” Malone wrote in a text message. “That was the last straw.” He added, “Suffice to say I do not like drama, and have better things to do.”
The dispute began when Malone posted on social media that the decision on an appeal would not be pursued, a claim Nixon subsequently refuted. Malone later clarified his initial statement, acknowledging a “miscommunication,” but the damage was done. Nixon released a statement to media emphasizing that any assertions about HHS’s next steps were “baseless speculation” unless officially announced.
HHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Rich Danker and Martin Kulldorff, the HHS chief science officer and former ACIP chair, defended Nixon in a statement to CQ Roll Call. Kulldorff stated he “found him to be professional and honest in all his perform supporting ACIP,” and acknowledged Malone’s decision to step away, citing the court ruling and the volunteer nature of ACIP members’ contributions. Both Danker and Kulldorff declined to offer further comment.
Malone, an ally of Kennedy Jr. And an outspoken figure on vaccine policy, elaborated on his reasons for resigning in comments to the New York Times, describing “hundreds of hours of uncompensated labor, incredible hate from many quarters, hostile press, internal bickering, weaponized leaking, sabotage.”
Joseph Hibbeln, another ACIP member appointed by Kennedy who has previously disagreed with Malone, told the Times that Malone’s stated aversion to drama “contrasts with his prior dramatic and confusing statements.”
The judge’s ruling on March 16th suspended the votes taken by the committee and halted the implementation of changes to the vaccine schedule. The future of the ACIP remains uncertain, with reports suggesting the possibility of disbanding and reconstituting the committee, though HHS has not officially confirmed this course of action. According to CNN, a scheduled ACIP meeting this week was postponed following the judge’s decision.