Overview
- HHS confirmed Hatfill was terminated for cause, citing his use of an ASPR 'chief medical officer' title and poor coordination with leadership.
- Hatfill denies wrongdoing, shared a business card bearing the disputed title, and alleges a 'coup' against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a claim HHS officials reject.
- He was dismissed Oct. 25 after roughly six months in the senior adviser role, and he says he refused a request to resign.
- Hatfill publicly criticized mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, promoted hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, and backed HHS’s earlier cancellation of about $500 million in mRNA research contracts.
- The firing comes as ASPR operates without a Senate-confirmed leader and undergoes reorganization that has drawn scrutiny from public-health experts.