FDA Chief Counsel Resigns Days After Appointment Following Political Pushback

Hilary Perkins stepped down from her role as FDA's top lawyer after criticism of her past work on abortion and vaccine mandates.

Hilary Perkins resigned as FDA Chief Counsel two days after her appointment, citing mounting political pressure.
Republican Senator Josh Hawley criticized Perkins for her previous defense of abortion pill access and support for Biden's COVID vaccine mandates.
Hawley reportedly threatened to block FDA Commissioner nominee Marty Makary's confirmation if Perkins remained in her position.
Perkins, a former Department of Justice attorney, had defended the abortion pill mifepristone during Biden's presidency.
Makary, who supported Perkins' appointment, is set to face a full Senate vote for his nomination as FDA Commissioner.