Behind the Scenes with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris
Dr. Eric Lander, nominee for Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Presidential Science Advisor-designate speaks after United States President-elect Joe Biden made remarks announcing him and other “Key Members of White House Science Team” from the Queen Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware on Friday, January 15, 2021. Credit: Biden Transition TV via CNP/Sipa USA
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s top science adviser Dr. Eric Lander has resigned after the White House confirmed that an internal investigation found credible evidence that he mistreated his staff.
It marks the first Cabinet-level departure of the Biden administration. Press secretary Jen Psaki says Biden accepted Lander’s resignation Monday with “gratitude for his work … on the pandemic, the Cancer Moonshot, climate change, and other key priorities.”
The White House rebuked Lander over his treatment of his staff, but initially signaled he would be allowed to remain on the job, despite Biden’s Inauguration Day assertion that would fire anyone who shows disrespect to others “on the spot.”
Most staffers have resigned from VP Kamala Harris’ office, citing a toxic work environment.
