Obama's Surgeon General Has Been Asked to Resign

The Trump administration has relieved Dr. Vivek Murthy of his duties as US Surgeon General, the AP reports. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services says Murthy was asked to resign after "assisting in a smooth transition" under President Trump. Murthy was a holdover from the Obama administration.

Murthy's deputy, Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, is serving as acting surgeon general and leader the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps until the Senate confirms a replacement. Her previous positions include being a nurse officer in the US Army. Health department spokesperson Alleigh Marre says Murthy will remain a member of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Murthy says on Facebook that he was humbled and honored to serve. He says serving was the "privilege of a lifetime." (More Vivek Hallegere Murthy stories.)