Federal Vaccine Adviser Robert Malone Departs ACIP Amidst Policy Shifts and Legal Challenges
WASHINGTON — Robert Malone, a physician and biochemist, and an ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is stepping down from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) following a recent court ruling that challenged the panel’s authority and a public dispute with HHS officials.
Malone’s departure, first reported by Roll Call, comes after a federal judge blocked changes to the childhood vaccine schedule implemented by the committee and questioned its overall validity. According to Malone, the decision to step down was prompted by a disagreement with HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon regarding whether the ruling would be appealed. “After Andrew trashing me with the press, I am done with the CDC and ACIP,” Malone stated in a text message. “That was the last straw.”
Background: ACIP Restructuring and Legal Challenges
Last year, Kennedy initiated a significant overhaul of ACIP, dismissing previous members and appointing new advisors, including Malone. This restructuring was met with controversy, with critics alleging it was influenced by pharmaceutical interests. The committee subsequently voted to delay the hepatitis B birth dose given to infants, a decision that, along with other changes, was challenged in court.
On March 20, 2026, Federal Judge Brian E. Murphy concluded that the panel had acted improperly, effectively halting the implementation of the revised vaccine schedule and restoring the original recommendations. The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet announced whether it will appeal the ruling.
Malone’s Statements and Controversy
Prior to his departure, Malone made conflicting statements about the status of ACIP, initially claiming it had been disbanded before clarifying that his comments were a miscommunication. He also expressed strong criticism of Judge Murphy on social media, calling for his impeachment and labeling him a “rogue judge.”
Malone has previously questioned the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and, according to FactCheck.org, has promoted unfounded claims about the disease. While on the panel, he advocated for more limited COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, emphasizing the importance of individual consultations with healthcare providers.
Implications for Vaccine Policy
Malone’s resignation and the ongoing legal challenges to ACIP’s authority raise questions about the future of vaccine policy in the United States. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of the Trump administration, which has supported Kennedy’s efforts to reshape vaccine recommendations. The outcome of any potential appeal by HHS will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these changes.