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By Marni Rose McFall
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Elizabeth Booker Houston, an American lawyer, public health professional, political commentator and standup comedian, has gone viral after announcing online that she had left her job at the Food and Drug Administration while flipping off photos of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Newsweek reached out to Houston via email for comment.
In a statement shared with Newsweek, Health and Human Services Communications Director Andrew Nixon said, "It is disappointing to see this individual misrepresent the mission and integrity of a federal agency."
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Why It Matters
There have been significant changes in the federal government since Trump returned to office. Over 200,000 employees of the federal government have been laid off as a result of the new presidential administration's actions, including the dissolution of the entire agency for international development (USAID). These layoffs have, in turn, prompted protests.
Since his return to office in January, Trump and his administration have been the target of multiple protests, including the "Rage Against the Regime" demonstrations and other coordinated efforts from different groups, though Trump still commands support from his base.
What To Know
Houston already has a significant online profile, with over half a million followers on Instagram. She gained national attention at the 2024 Democratic National Convention for her viral response to conservative political pundit Ann Coulter, who had mocked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's son.
Over the weekend, Houston posted a picture of her giving the middle finger to photos of Vance and Trump on Instagram.
The post, which has been liked over 187,000 times as of reporting, was captioned "As of today, I am no longer with the FDA, HHS, or any federal agency. I stayed for as long as possible during this transition, but now, I need to fight from outside. Thank you to my fellow civilian servants who are valiantly opposing this regime."
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Houston also shared pictures of her cubicle, which was decorated with quotes on pink cards from figures including former first lady Michelle Obama and civil rights activist Rosa Parks.
Houston also included a picture of what she says is her automatic response now that she has left the agency, where she has written that the government has been taken over by "fascists," and "incompetent hires," and that she is "taking my talents elsewhere to fight this administration."
That response read in part, "The dismantling of our public health systems is an atrocity, and people like [Food and Drugs Commissioner Marty] Makary and [HHS Secretary] RFK Jr. should be ashamed for their role in this. The illegal firings of our coworkers not only hurts our personnel but the American people as a whole."
Houston did not elaborate on the details of the alleged illegal firings.
Houston also said in the message, "While I hate leaving the agency I love so much, I know this is the right thing to do."
What People Are Saying
HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon said in a statement shared with Newsweek: "The FDA's commitment has always been, and will continue to be, to the American people. The agency remains steadfast in its mission, guided by the highest standards of scientific integrity and dedicated to delivering meaningful, evidence-based outcomes that protect and promote public health."
Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett commented on Houston's Instagram video: "I love you and stand with you!"
**Elizabeth Booker Houston, in a follow-up Instagram video in which she addressed the post: "**On Friday, I made a very public post...I said you know what, after almost a decade of being a public servant in the Department of Health and Human Services, I said, I'm stepping away, I'm done...I quit. I had to leave."
"I was there because I really, really give a f***, but it became apparent that I wasn't essentially killing myself...I can't do that anymore."
What Happens Next
Houston said in her follow-up video posted to Instagram that she has recently accepted a position at George Washington University.
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