Top White House Science Advisor Resigns

A two-month White House investigation found “credible evidence” that Dr. Eric Lander, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, had spoken “harshly and disrespectfully to colleagues.” 

Politico (Lean Left) first reported the investigation’s conclusions. Despite a previous pledge by President Joe Biden to fire disrespectful staff “on the spot,” the White House said Monday that Lander would keep his job after undergoing counseling. “Senior White House officials conveyed directly to Dr. Lander that his behavior was inappropriate, and the corrective actions that were needed, which the White House will monitor for compliance moving forward,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. Lander resigned on Monday; he apologized in a Friday evening email to his colleagues, saying, “I am deeply sorry for my conduct.”

Coverage in some right-rated outlets prominently highlighted the disconnect with Biden’s pledge; the New York Post (Lean Right) began its article with the phrase, “So much for firing those who disrespect their colleagues on the spot!” Left-rated outlets like USA Today (Lean Left) also discussed Biden’s “zero-tolerance pledge on staff conduct.” Updated 2/8/22 at 8:57 a.m. with news of Lander's resignation.