Head of Operation Warp Speed won't be forced to disclose investments in pharma companies

The "government contractor" designation for Moncef Slaoui, MD, who serves as the head of Operation Warp Speed, is drawing criticism from watchdog groups and some congressional Democrats, according to The New York Times.

Dr. Slaoui joined Operation Warp Speed, the White House's task force to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, under a $1 contract rather than as a federal employee. This means he is exempt from ethics disclosures to which federal employees are subjected and can maintain his pharma company investments.