FDA Chief Counsel Perkins Resigns Amid Criticism

Hilary Perkins, the recently appointed chief counsel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), resigned just two days after her appointment, following criticism from Senator Josh Hawley. Perkins, who was appointed by Martin Makary, President Trump's nominee for FDA Commissioner, faced backlash for her previous defense of the abortion pill mifepristone under the Biden administration. Senator Hawley criticized Perkins for her pro-abortion stance and her support for COVID-19 vaccine mandates, arguing that her positions were inconsistent with President Trump’s agenda. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services removed the news of her appointment from their official announcement. While Makary has pledged to review mifepristone's safety data, he awaits confirmation for his role as FDA Commissioner. Perkins previously worked at the Department of Justice's consumer protection division, joining during Trump's first term.