Gopal Khanna, who has served as the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality since 2017, announced Monday that he resigned from his role.
In an email to staff, Khanna said he submitted his resignation to HHS Secretary Alex Azar. He resigned in response to the riot last week at the Capitol, saying, "As a first-generation American and a proud citizen of this country, nothing is more sacred than the values embedded in our Constitution, and the principles we hold dear. However, based on the horrific events last Wednesday at the nation's Capitol, the very seat of our democracy and a beacon of freedom the world over, I have decided to step aside."
Khanna is one of several Trump administration officials who have resigned in the wake of last week's riot. Khanna's last day was Monday.
Dr. David Meyers, deputy director and chief physician at AHRQ, will serve as acting AHRQ director.
In the email to staff, Khanna said, "I'm an eternal optimist and believe that our best days as an agency and a nation are still ahead of us. I will remain AHRQ's biggest cheerleader, and will take advantage of every opportunity to sing your praises. I'll never stop working for you."
