File photo: Scott Atlas, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, speaks at a news conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington.
Dr. Scott Atlas, Stanford University’s coronavirus contrarian, has resigned from his post as President Trump’s special adviser on the coronavirus pandemic, according to media reports.
His resignation letter, posted on Twitter Monday evening, did not offer details about his departure. His 130-day role was set to expire this week.
It also did not describe any plans to return to his position as a senior fellow at Stanford University’s conservative Hoover Institution.
If he returns to campus, he will likely face a chilly reception. The Faculty Senate passed a resolution condemning his views and leaders at Stanford University Medical School denounced Atlas for promoting what they called “falsehoods and misrepresentations of science.”
He retaliated against his former colleagues by threatening legal action, demanding that they withdraw their claims or face legal action.
In his resignation letter, dated Dec. 1, Atlas commended his efforts as Special Advisor to the Trump administration’s work on the coronavirus pandemic, while wishing “all the best” to the incoming Biden administration.
“I worked hard with a singular focus—to save lives and help Americans through this pandemic,” Atlas wrote, adding that he “always relied on the latest science and evidence, without any political consideration or influence.”
“I sincerely wish the new team all the best as they guide the nation through these trying, polarized times,” according to the letter.
A radiologist with no training in epidemiology or infectious disease, Atlas angered health experts while pushing a suite of controversial policy prescriptions.
He has made disputed statements about controlling the pandemic through “natural immunity.” He asserted that he science of mask wearing is uncertain and took a libertarian-style approach to disease management, urging the reopening of schools and businesses.
One of his roles was to help prepare President Trump with briefing materials.
“If I hear the name again in 20 years it will be too soon,” Andrew M. Slavitt, former Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under President Obama, wrote on Twitter.
Earlier this month, Atlas traded barbs with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert.
He criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci of being a “political animal” who made dire warnings about the pandemic to undermine the president.
