Slaoui confirmed on CNBC on Wednesday that he submitted his resignation letter on Tuesday to the Trump administration. He will stay for 30 days to “ensure a smooth transition,” a Biden transition official told CNN.
Slaoui said in a call to reporters last week that he was in contact with the Biden government and was asked to become a consultant when the transition happens, which he agreed to, CNN reported earlier.
It is common for a political appointee like Slaoui to step down as part of the transition from one government to another. It was not clear whether the Biden government plans to appoint a successor.
During his appearance on CNBC, Slaoui praised Operation Warp Speed’s success in obtaining two vaccines authorized for emergency use by the United States Food and Drug Administration and said it was always his intention to return to private life once this was achieved. He said he decided to “extend” his “mandate to support the new team as soon as they join.”
“As you know, I very much support this next government and really, 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 Operation Warp Speed’s leadership “in every way possible” and expressed “hope and confidence” in the Biden government’s ability to take over the country’s vaccination effort.
It is unclear whether General Gustave Perna, director of operations for Operation Warp Speed, will remain in office.