Biden Adviser Lander Resigns After Complaints He Bullied Staff

WASHINGTON – A top science adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden resigned on Monday after allegations came to light that he had bullied and demeaned staffers.

Eric Lander, who serves as director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, was the focus of an internal review after subordinates complained about his treatment of them. The review was first reported by Politico earlier on Monday and confirmed by White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

“I am devastated that I caused hurt to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them,” Lander said in the resignation letter submitted to Biden.

Noting that he sought to push himself and colleagues by at times “challenging and criticizing,” he acknowledged that “things I said, and the way I said them, crossed the line at times into being disrespectful and demeaning.”

The allegations against Lander struck a nerve given Biden came into office pledging to take a hard line on any disrespect among members of his administration and turn the page from the derisive rhetoric of his predecessor Donald Trump.

“If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect, talk down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot … no ifs, ands or buts,” Biden told political appointees during a swearing-in ceremony.

“Everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity,” he said at the time. When asked about the allegations against Lander earlier on Monday, Psaki condemned Lander’s behavior.

“In addition to the full, thorough investigation, it was conveyed through meetings to senior White House officials directly that his behavior was inappropriate,” she said. “Nothing about his behavior is acceptable to anyone here – not at all,” she added.

On Monday evening, Psaki put out a statement saying Biden had accepted Lander’s resignation letter “with gratitude for his work,” citing his role in fighting cancer, climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.

Lander said his resignation should be effective no later than February 18.

CNN's Zucker Resigns After Relationship with Co-worker

CNN President Jeff Zucker resigned abruptly after nine years at the media company after acknowledging a consensual relationship with a co-worker.

Zucker said he acknowledged the relationship when asked about it as part of an investigation into Chris Cuomo, the former CNN anchor who was fired after it was discovered he aided his brother, then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as he navigated a sexual harassment investigation.

“I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t,” Zucker wrote. “I was wrong.”

Chris Cuomo actively helped craft his brother’s responses to sexual harassment charges, according to emails and a transcript of his testimony to investigators working for state Attorney General Letitia James. Her office found Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed at least 11 women; the former governor resigned in August to avoid a likely impeachment trial.

In a statement Zucker said he had wished that his tenure had ended differently but, “it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute.”

Jeff Zucker was named Chairman, WarnerMedia News and Sports in March, 2019. He has also served as President of CNN Worldwide since 2013.

Zucker oversees all of WarnerMedia’s live programming, including all divisions of CNN Worldwide and Turner Sports. At CNN, that includes the US television network, CNN International, HLN, and CNN’s digital properties. His sports portfolio includes Turner Sports, and Bleacher Report.