Warren blasts Gottlieb's jump to Pfizer, but ex-FDA chief says he's proud

Scott Gottlieb and Pfizer surely knew critics would challenge the former FDA commissioner’s decision to join the pharma giant's board-less than three months after his departure from the agency, no less. And at least one high-profile lawmaker is doing just that, as Sen. Elizabeth Warren called on Gottlieb to reconsider. The move smacks of corruption, Warren wrote in a letter following the announcement. Gottlieb will join a company that has billions of dollars at stake in the decisions made by the agency you used to head and the employees you used to lead, Warren wrote. Such a fast move from government to industry makes the American people rightfully cynical and distrustful about whether high-level Trump Administration officials are working for them, or for their future corporate employers, she added. The move could prove to be lucrative for Gottlieb as Pfizer compensates its board members well, Warren pointed out. Last year, the company paid directors $335,000 in cash and stock.