Top FDA spokeswoman ousted after 11 days: report

Top Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spokeswoman Emily Miller has been removed from her position after 11 days on the job, according to multiple reports.

Miller’s removal comes amid the fallout over the agency’s decision to issue an emergency use authorization for convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 patients.

The move was first reported by The New York Times. The FDA did not return a request for comment to The Hill.

Miller’s name is no longer listed on the agency’s official Twitter account but is still listed online.

Miller was appointed to her position by the White House, but was fired by FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn. She previously worked for far-right media outlet One America News Network, as well as for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and has no science or medical background. 

As agency spokeswoman, Miller was a key player in the FDA’s announcement that it was authorizing the use of convalescent plasma. The decision almost immediately came under fire and raised questions about the FDA’s ability to withstand political pressure from the White House.

During a press conference announcing the decision, Hahn greatly exaggerated the benefit of the therapy by saying a study found it resulted in a 35 percent improvement in survival. 

Miller defended Hahn’s misstatement, even after he apologized. 

As recently as Thursday night during President Trump’s Republican National Convention acceptance speech, Miller was tweeting as Trump falsely touted the benefits of plasma.