Biden’s Top Science Adviser Resigns Following Internal Investigation Into His Bullying

“But it is clear that things I said, and the way I said them, crossed the line at times into being disrespectful and demeaning, to both men and women. That was never my intention,” Lander continued. “Nonetheless, it is my fault and my responsibility. I will take this lesson forward. I believe it is not possible to continue effectively in my role, and the work of this office is far too important to be hindered.”

Psaki said in a statement that Biden accepted Lander’s resignation “with gratitude” for the work he had done. (RELATED: Everything We Know About Jeffrey Epstein’s Ties To Biden’s Science Nominee)

“The President accepted Dr. Eric Lander’s resignation letter this evening with gratitude for his work at OSTP on the pandemic, the Cancer Moonshot, climate change, and other key priorities,” Psaki said. “He knows that Dr. Lander will continue to make important contributions to the scientific community in the years ahead.”

Lander apologized to staff in an email Friday after his aides learned of Politico’s incoming reporting, according to the publication. One OSTP staffer told Politico that “everyone is afraid of” Lander, while other current and former staffers said it appeared he took particular joy in embarrassing female colleagues.

Lander is not the first from the Biden White House to be the subject of bullying allegations. In February 2021, the president’s deputy press secretary TJ Ducklo resigned after a story surfaced accusing him of demeaning and intimidating a Politico reporter.

Ducklo was hit with a one-week suspension with no pay prior to his resignation.