Ethics violations and a toxic workplace are at the centre of the latest allegations.

A whistleblower has levelled serious accusations against Eric Lander, the former director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), claiming ethical misconduct, bullying, and retaliation against staff members. The complaint highlights instances of Lander creating a harmful work environment and violating ethics policies while in his role.

This latest complaint, filed by the Government Accountability Project on behalf of whistleblower Rachel Wallace and other anonymous OSTP employees, is said to be the most detailed yet regarding alleged misconduct under Lander’s leadership. It accuses him of ignoring repeated warnings about ethical violations and retaliating against those who raised concerns.

The complaint was formally submitted to the Office of Special Counsel, as well as congressional committees, seeking reinstatement for Wallace and financial damages for other affected individuals. According to the whistleblower’s findings, at least 15 employees reported being victims of mistreatment, the majority of whom were women. “Ethics violations were rampant; retaliation was ever-present. It proves toxic workplaces are nonpartisan. We urge you to promptly investigate,” the filing states.

Despite these accusations, Lander’s lawyer, Michael N. Levy, strongly disputed the claims, asserting that investigations had cleared him of wrongdoing regarding Wallace’s demotion and other related actions. Levy stated: “Any suggestion that Lander treated anyone differently on the basis of gender or race is simply not true.”

Wallace, a 21-year veteran of the civil service and former general counsel at OSTP, alleged Lander ignored ethical boundaries, including hiring decisions made prior to his formal confirmation. She also accused him of pressuring employees, particularly women, to return to in-person work while disregarding legal protections.

Lander resigned from his role in February, after the findings of the investigation into his actions were brought to light by Politico. Despite his resignation, Wallace claims little has changed. “I’m still in exactly the same position I was when this all started,” she explained, criticising a lack of action to address the workplace culture or reinstate her to her prior position.

The White House has maintained that it takes all allegations seriously and investigates complaints thoroughly. Despite Lander’s resignation, concerns remain about the administration’s response to these revelations, with Wallace and others claiming corrective steps have yet to materialise.

This unfolding situation underscores ongoing concerns about ethical accountability and workplace safety in federal institutions, as well as the consequences of unchecked power within the administrative structure.