Scott Atlas, controversial science adviser for Trump, resigns from White House role

U.S. President Donald Trump listens as Dr. Scott Atlas

Credit: Reuters

Dr Scott Atlas, a science adviser to President Donald Trump who was sceptical of measures to control the coronavirus outbreak, has resigned his White House post.

A White House official confirmed that the Stanford University neuroradiologist, who had no formal experience in public health or infectious diseases, resigned at the end of his temporary government assignment.

Atlas joined the White House this summer, where he clashed with top government scientists, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, as he resisted stronger efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic that has killed more than 267,000 Americans.

Dr Atlas has broken with government experts and the overwhelming consensus of the scientific community to criticise efforts to encourage face covering to slow the spread of the virus. 

In October, he tweeted: "Masks work? NO," despite overwhelming scientific evidence proving the benefit of wearing masks. Twitter concealed the message as misinformation. 

This month he said lockdowns had been "an epic failure" in stopping the spread of the virus.  Just weeks ago on Twitter he responded to Michigan’s latest virus restrictions by encouraging people to "rise up" against the state’s policies.

He later clarified the tweet, saying he never meant to encourage violence. 

Hey. I NEVER was talking at all about violence. People vote, people peacefully protest. NEVER would I endorse or incite violence. NEVER!! https://t.co/LljvwMvjDV

— Scott W. Atlas (@ScottWAtlas) November 16, 2020

His views also prompted Stanford to issue a statement distancing itself from the faculty member, saying Dr Atlas "has expressed views that are inconsistent with the university’s approach in response to the pandemic."

"We support using masks, social distancing, and conducting surveillance and diagnostic testing," the university said on November 16.

"We also believe in the importance of strictly following the guidance of local and state health authorities."

Dr Atlas defended his role in his resignation letter, saying: "I cannot think of a time where safeguarding science and the scientific debate is more urgent."

Honored to have served @realDonaldTrump and the American people during these difficult times. pic.twitter.com/xT1hRoYBMh

— Scott W. Atlas (@ScottWAtlas) December 1, 2020

He thanked Mr Trump for the honour and wished "all the best" to President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming administration.

"I worked hard with a singular focus — to save lives and help Americans through this pandemic," Dr Atlas said, adding that he "always relied on the latest science and evidence, without any political consideration or influence."

Dr Atlas was hired as a "special government employee," which limited his service to government to 130 days in a calendar year — a deadline he reached this week.

He apologised on Twitter this month for giving an interview to Russia’s Kremlin-backed television station RT, saying he was unaware it was a registered foreign agent in the United States.