Scott Atlas resigns as Trump pandemic adviser after controversial tenure

Neuroradiologist who has no expertise in infectious diseases downplayed the threat of coronavirus

Scott Atlas has resigned as special adviser to Donald Trump, a White House official said on Monday, after a controversial four months during which he attacked science-based public health measures and clashed repeatedly with other members of the coronavirus taskforce.

I am writing to resign from my position as Special Advisor to the President of the United States," Atlas said in a letter to Trump dated 1 December, according to Fox News, which first reported his resignation. Atlas later confirmed his resignation in a tweet.