Top Biden science adviser resigns following bullying reports

Dr. Eric Lander, President Joe Biden's top science adviser, resigned Monday after the White House reported finding credible evidence that he bullied and mistreated staff.

Lander, Science and Technology Policy Office director, wrote in his resignation letter, "I am devastated that I caused hurt to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them," Politico reports.

Hours prior, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that "senior White House officials conveyed directly to Dr. Lander that his behavior was inappropriate and the corrective actions that were needed, which were — which the White House will monitor for compliance moving forward."

Psaki also faced questions about why Lander was not outright fired when Biden promised at the beginning of his administration to fire anyone found to be participating in inappropriate behavior.

Politico first reported the two-month White House investigation into allegations that Lander bullied Rachel Wallace, his then-general counsel.