A former senior biosecurity adviser to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is facing scrutiny over allegations of misconduct, following his abrupt dismissal in late October. Steven J. Hatfill, who previously worked with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), claims his termination was part of a power struggle within HHS leadership.
In an interview with The New York Times, Hatfill alleged that HHS Chief of Staff Matt Buckham orchestrated a “coup” to undermine Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Retired U.S. Air Force Major Thomas F. Haviland, who lost his contracting job in 2021 for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, has publicly supported Hatfill’s stance. Haviland shared an interview with Nicolas Hulscher, urging contacts to confront RFK Jr. over what he called a “coup against” him.
Dr. Meryl Nass, affiliated with RFK Jr.’s Children’s Health Defense, challenged Haviland’s defense of Hatfill, accusing him of spreading “misinformation.” She cited Hatfill’s lack of medical credentials and alleged falsification of a PhD diploma. Hatfill rebutted these claims in an eight-page email, defending his qualifications and questioning Nass’s credibility. He referenced her suspension from the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine for promoting COVID-19 misinformation and criticized her involvement in investigations into historical anthrax outbreaks.
Hatfill also accused HHS leadership of internal conflicts, claiming the agency is “in free-fall” due to mismanagement. He expressed concerns about RFK Jr.’s ability to navigate political challenges, suggesting drastic reforms are needed to avoid a “tragedy for our nation.”
Rebecca Terrell is a senior editor and regular contributor for The New American.
