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For Immediate Release
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Trump Administration's Interference With the FDA's Coronavirus Vaccine Guidance Will Cost American Lives

Michael Carome, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, released the following statement following news that the White House blocked provisions set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that proposed stricter guidelines for emergency approval of a COVID-19 vaccine:

WASHINGTON

Michael Carome, director of Public Citizen's Health Research Group, released the following statement following news that the White House blocked provisions set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that proposed stricter guidelines for emergency approval of a COVID-19 vaccine:

"The decision by Trump and his minions to suppress critical science-based FDA guidelines for the emergency use authorization (EUA) of a COVID-19 vaccine represents the latest but most dangerous politicization of the U.S. public health response to the catastrophic pandemic. This appalling action will only feed public distrust in any future COVID-19 vaccine marketed under an EUA, fostering vaccine hesitancy and prolonging the pandemic.

"Like his hosting of a coronavirus super-spreader event in the White House Rose Garden and reckless joyride around Walter Reed, Trump's interference in FDA decision-making on coronavirus vaccines further demonstrates his willingness to casually sacrifice American lives to promote his own selfish political interests and feed his pathologic narcissism."

Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that champions the public interest in the halls of power. We defend democracy, resist corporate power and work to ensure that government works for the people - not for big corporations. Founded in 1971, we now have 500,000 members and supporters throughout the country.

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