The interim leader of the Food and Drug Administration’s drug division announced her termination from the federal agency on May 16.
Tracey Beth Hoeg revealed her dismissal through a post on social media platform X, confirming earlier reports that she was expected to depart the FDA on Friday.
Her removal follows closely after Commissioner Marty Makary stepped down from his role earlier this week.
Hoeg, who works as both an epidemiologist and sports medicine doctor, previously questioned the effectiveness of COVID vaccines throughout the pandemic period.
During her tenure, she played a key role in reforming America’s childhood immunization guidelines, helping to streamline the recommended vaccine schedule from 17 shots down to 11 this past January.
The dismissal occurs during a broader reorganization within the health department, as the White House has increased its oversight of the agency in recent months.
The administration placed Chris Klomp in the position of Kennedy’s deputy, and Klomp has subsequently brought in a group of more mainstream candidates for senior health leadership roles, including positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the office of Surgeon General.
Following Makary’s Tuesday resignation, Klomp has been working to remove contentious appointees from the FDA and install more conventional replacements, according to sources familiar with the matter.
