Dr. Eric Lander, a former member of President Biden’s Cabinet who served as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), resigned Monday night amid internal White House reports he spoke harshly and disrespectfully to colleagues in front of other colleagues.

Fox News reports:

“I am devastated that I caused hurt to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them,” Lander wrote in his letter of resignation. “But it is clear that things I said, and the way I said them, crossed the line at times into being disrespectful and demeaning, to both men and women. That was never my intention. Nonetheless, it is my fault and my responsibility. I will take this lesson forward. I believe it is not possible to continue effectively in my role, and the work of this office is far too important to be hindered.”

Lander had earlier apologized to his staff for speaking to them in a “disrespectful and demeaning way,” according to an email obtained Monday by Fox News.

“The president accepted Dr. Eric Lander’s resignation letter this evening with gratitude for his work at OSTP on the pandemic, the Cancer Moonshot, climate change, and other key priorities,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. “He knows that Dr. Lander will continue to make important contributions to the scientific community in the years ahead.”

Psaki had earlier deflected questions Monday regarding why Lander had not been fired, given Biden’s promise on his first day in office to immediately fire anyone who treats colleagues disrespectfully.

Biden made it clear when he said “If you are ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect, talk down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot. On the spot. No ifs, ands or buts.”

This isn’t the first report of toxic workplace behavior the Biden administration has faced. Vice President Kamala Harris has also been accused of similar behavior as Dr. Lander.