Top FDA Vaccine Official Resigns Suddenly in Huge Shakeup Under RFK Jr. [WATCH]

Dr. Peter Marks, the director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has resigned following a direct ultimatum from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Marks, a key figure in the rapid development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines under Operation Warp Speed, will leave his post effective April 5.

#BREAKING: RFK Jr. has forced out FDA’s top vaccine official Peter Marks

Marks was one of the chief architects of the COVID vaccine. And he’s now unemployed.

NOBODY will get in the way of Making America Healthy Again pic.twitter.com/cPC4wPYku9

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 29, 2025

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Marks, a hematologist-oncologist, had led CBER since 2016, overseeing the FDA’s vaccine programs and playing a crucial role in the development of the experimental COVID-19 vaccines during President Donald Trump’s first administration.

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His tenure at the FDA included overseeing the evaluation and approval of vaccine products based on safety and effectiveness data.

According to sources close to the matter, Marks submitted his resignation after receiving an ultimatum from a senior HHS official: resign voluntarily or face termination.

His exit marks a significant part of Secretary Kennedy’s ongoing effort to overhaul the federal health apparatus, which he believes has been plagued by entrenched bureaucrats spreading misinformation.

In his resignation letter to Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner, Marks criticized Secretary Kennedy, accusing him of rejecting “truth and transparency” in favor of “subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”

Marks expressed frustration with the direction of the HHS under Kennedy’s leadership, which has seen aggressive efforts to reshape the agency, including plans to reduce the workforce by laying off 10,000 employees and closing offices.

Marks had initially hoped to remain in his position, despite his differences with Kennedy over vaccine policy.

He had proposed working with Kennedy to hold public meetings on vaccines in partnership with the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Marks’ efforts to foster dialogue around immunization were in direct contrast to Kennedy’s skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccine, which fueled their growing tension.

In his resignation letter, Marks stated, “My hope is that during the coming years, the unprecedented assault on scientific truth that has adversely impacted public health in our nation comes to an end.”

Marks’ departure comes amid a broader shift at the FDA. He is the third top leader to leave the agency this year, following the resignations of drug chief Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni and human foods chief Jim Jones.

The changes are part of a broader effort by Kennedy to reshape the agency and remove what he sees as entrenched bureaucracy that has compromised public health policies.

Marks’ resignation has sparked celebration from some conservative voices, who view his exit as a much-needed removal of a key figure in what they perceive as the corruption of the FDA under his leadership.

Investigative reporter Steve Kirsch described Marks’ departure as “GAME CHANGING!” and criticized his refusal to engage with critics of the COVID-19 vaccines.

“Marks claimed he wanted to stop misinformation but REFUSED all offers to meet with the ‘misinformation spreaders’ to settle the question on just who is spreading the misinformation!” Kirsch wrote on social media.

GAME CHANGING! Peter Marks is GONE!!!

Marks claimed he wanted to stop misinformation but REFUSED all offers to meet with the “misinformation spreaders” to settle the question on just who is spreading the misinformation! pic.twitter.com/sqYRM1eB3D

— Steve Kirsch (@stkirsch) March 29, 2025

Emily Kopp, a journalist for the Daily Caller, also weighed in, criticizing Marks for circumventing FDA advisors on COVID-19 booster shots and approving a drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy that led to the death of a teenager.

“Marks circumvented FDA’s advisors on COVID boosters, spurred the resignations of top vaccine regulators, and unilaterally approved a Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug that just killed a teenager,” Kopp said.

“Many will sanitize his record for political purposes, but I have a long memory.”

Peter Marks circumvented FDA’s advisors on COVID boosters, spurred the resignations of top vaccine regulators, and unilaterally approved a Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug that just killed a teenager. Many will sanitize his record for political purposes, but I have a long memory. pic.twitter.com/dhY7XlZ5r4

— Emily Kopp (@emilyakopp) March 29, 2025

Commentator Camus celebrated Marks’ resignation as a win for accountability and liberty, stating, “It’s a great day for accountability—RFK Jr. took out FDA vaccine pusher Peter Marks, and it’s about time! Marks pressed for full mRNA shot approval—not for science, but to set up mandates that trampled our freedoms. He wanted those jabs locked in quick so Biden could force them on us all.”

It’s a great day for accountability—RFK Jr. took out FDA vaccine pusher Peter Marks, and it’s about time! Marks pressed for full mRNA shot approval—not for science, but to set up mandates that trampled our freedoms. He wanted those jabs locked in quick so Biden could force them… pic.twitter.com/zABwUnV9CU

— Camus (@newstart_2024) March 29, 2025

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) also responded to Marks’ resignation, tweeting, “Last year I held a hearing exposing COVID vaccine malfeasance led by Peter Marks at the FDA. Instead of verifying safety and efficacy of the shots, Marks swept things under the rug and became a cheerleader for the jab. Yesterday Peter Marks resigned from the FDA under RFK Jr.!”

Massie added, “This is good. In fact, this is what draining the swamp actually looks like. I had the opportunity to depose Peter Marks (recorded interview several hours long), and his conduct at FDA was way out of line. He should have been cut loose years ago.”

Last year I held a hearing exposing COVID vaccine malfeasance led by Peter Marks at the FDA.

Instead of verifying safety and efficacy of the shots, Marks swept things under the rug and became a cheerleader for the jab.

Yesterday Peter Marks resigned from the FDA under RFKjr.! https://t.co/mDXVsfrVou

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 29, 2025

As Dr. Marks steps down from his role at the FDA, his departure is seen as part of a larger movement within the Trump administration’s health sector to remove officials perceived as too closely tied to past policies.

The fallout from this shift in leadership will likely continue to shape discussions about vaccine policy, public health transparency, and the role of government agencies in guiding scientific research.

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The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary. RVM News would like to make a point of clarification on why we do not refer to any shot related to COVID-19 as a “vaccine.” According to the CDC, the definition of a vaccine necessitates that said vaccine have a lasting effect of at least one year in preventing the contraction of the virus or disease it’s intended to fight. Because all of the COVID-19 shots thus far available have barely offered six months of protection, and even then not absolute, RVM News has made the decision hereafter to no longer refer to the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson substances as vaccinations.