Slaoui confirmed on CNBC on Wednesday that he submitted his resignation letter to the Trump administration on Tuesday. He will stay on for 30 days to “ensure a smooth transition,” a Biden transition official told CNN.
Slaoui said during a phone call with reporters last week that he had been in contact with the Biden administration and was asked to become an adviser when the transition occurs, which he agreed to, CNN previously reported.
It is common for a politician such as Slaoui to step down as part of the transition from one government to another. It was not immediately clear whether Biden’s administration has plans to appoint a successor.
During his appearance on CNBC, Slaoui praised the success of Operation Warp Speed in obtaining two emergency vaccines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and said his intention was always to return to private life once that was achieved. . He said he decided to “extend” his tenure to support the new team as soon as they came in. “
“As you know, I am a strong supporter of this upcoming government and of course the operation and its mission, and I will do everything I can to help them succeed,” said Slaoui.
Slaoui said he would continue to support the leadership of Operation Warp Speed ”in every way” and expressed “hope and confidence” in the Biden government’s ability to take over the country’s vaccination efforts.
It is not clear whether General Gustave Perna, Operation Warp Speed’s chief operating officer, will remain in his role.