News
Article
Former NIAID Director Alleges She Was Fired Over Whistleblower Complaints
Author(s):
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo was terminated after filing a whistleblower complaint alleging illegal research grant cancellations and politicization of scientific research.
- Her attorney claims the firing was retaliatory, linked to her advocacy for vaccine safety and public health research.
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo's firing highlights concerns over political interference in health research and vaccine safety advocacy amid whistleblower allegations.
Dr. Marrazzo received her termination letter 22 days after filing the whistleblower complaint with the Office of Special Counsel.
Stock.Adobe.com
Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), received a letter on Wednesday, October 1, from Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. terminating her employment. This came just 22 days after Dr. Marrazzo filed a whistleblower complaint with the Office of Special Counsel. Dr. Marrazzo alleged that HHS’s cancellation of several critical research grants was illegal, scientific research had been politicized, vaccinations faced baseless hostility, and scientific research was censored.1
Marrazzo wrote a statement following her firing, saying, "My termination, unfortunately, shows that the leaders of HHS and the National Institutes of Health do not share my commitment to scientific integrity and public health. Congress must act to protect scientific research from those who would serve political interests first."
Dr. Marrazzo’s attorney, Debra S. Katz’s statement on the situation
“The Trump Administration terminated Dr. Marrazzo for her advocacy on behalf of critical health research and for her support of the overwhelming body of evidence that shows vaccines are safe and effective. The evidence that the Trump Administration removed Dr. Marrazzo for illegal reasons was already powerful. After raising concerns for months after the new administration took office, Dr. Marrazzo was informed in March 2025 that she would be transferred to the Indian Health Service, a retaliatory transfer that she never in fact was given.”1
Katz continued, saying, “Now, with her firing, there is no doubt she was removed from her position as Director of NIAID in retaliation for her protected whistleblower activity. Dr Marrazzo bravely came forward to warn the public about the risks posed by the Administration’s hostile approach to vaccines and to protect public health research. Though she has filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel – an independent agency eviscerated by President Trump – she has been left with no real avenues of recourse. I urge Congress to act to provide meaningful oversight and accountability at HHS.”1
What were Dr. Marrazzo’s whistleblower allegations?
According to a report from CBS News, Dr. Marrazzo's whistleblower complaint focuses on Dr. Matthew Memoli, who was the acting NIH director earlier this year before he moved to the deputy director position. Dr. Marrazzo claimed Memoli made statements that downplayed the importance of vaccines and holds views that mirror those of HHS secretary Kennedy, who has been accused of having anti-vax beliefs.Dr. Marrazzo’sallegations continue to mention that Memoli argued that "vaccines are unnecessary if populations are healthy," and that the NIH "should not focus on vaccines."2
Back in June this year, HHS secretary Kennedy sparked controversy when he dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Kennedy then followed up by adding seven new members to the group, many of which were criticized for having anti-vax beliefs.
Sources
- Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, former Director of NIAID, is Fired by Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy in Retaliation for Filing Whistleblower Complaint with the Office of Special Counsel Katz Banks Kumin October 1, 2025 https://katzbanks.com/news/marrazzo-fired/
- RFK Jr. fires NIH vaccine whistleblower Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo CBS October 3, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-fires-nih-vaccine-whistleblower-dr-jeanne-marrazzo/
Newsletter
Lead with insight with the Pharmaceutical Executive newsletter, featuring strategic analysis, leadership trends, and market intelligence for biopharma decision-makers.
