“The FDA as we’ve known it is finished, with most of the leaders with institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of product development and safety no longer employed,” former FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said on LinkedIn, calling it “a dark day for public health.”

“I believe that history will see this a huge mistake,” he continued, noting he’s been and noting he’s been “overwhelmed with messages about the firings.”

“I will be glad if I’m proven wrong, but even then there is no good reason to treat people this way,” Califf said. “It will be interesting to hear from the new leadership how they plan to put Humpty Dumpty’ back together again.”