Watchdog asks HHS inspector general to examine Jackson ethics questions

Campaign Legal Center asked the Department of Health and Human Services inspector general to examine whether Alicia Jackson complied with federal recusal and financial disclosure requirements in a letter dated November 12.

The letter identifies Jackson as director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. The watchdog questioned Jackson’s public participation in a 2025 HHS announcement about removing a warning from menopausal hormone therapy products. The group raised potential conflicts involving her interests in Evernow and investments held through her spouse’s private funds.

The organization also requested a review of whether financial interests in those funds were fully disclosed. Its letter asks the inspector general to determine whether Jackson should have recused herself or obtained a conflict waiver before participating in the matter.

ProPublica reported on November 13 that the inspector general’s office would neither confirm nor deny whether it was investigating Jackson. The outlet said HHS, Jackson, her spouse and his firm did not comment in response to its requests. It also reported that Jackson’s role, if any, in the Food and Drug Administration’s decision remains unclear.