Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Tom Price has resigned over criticism surrounding his frequent use of private charter planes for trips he has taken since serving as the agency’s leader.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued the following statement this afternoon:
Secretary of Health and Human Services Thomas Price offered his resignation earlier today and the President accepted. The President intends to designate Don J. Wright of Virginia to serve as Acting Secretary, effective at 11:59 p.m. on September 29, 2017. Mr. Wright currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
When news of Price’s private plane trips broke it sparked an Inspector General review of his travel. Politico reported that the costs for the trips were at least $400,000.
President Trump had publicly expressed his frustration over the situation, telling reporters “I’m not happy about it, and I let him know it” and also was considering firing Price for his actions.
Price expressed regret over the situation, saying he acted within legal travel guidelines but noted that he “was not sensitive enough to my concern for the taxpayer.” He also said he plans to reimburse the Treasury for at least a portion of the costs incurred for his travel and that he will fully cooperate with the ongoing IG investigation.
A copy of Price’s resignation letter to President Trump is included below.
Thank you @POTUS for the opportunity to serve the American people alongside the dedicated folks of @HHSGov. It's been an honor & privilege. pic.twitter.com/nUBNsEDsPv
— Tom Price, M.D. (@SecPriceMD) September 29, 2017
