From Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies 11e:

The United States was largely spared [from Thalidomide related tragedy] because of the length of time required for review and the rigorous scrutiny of new drug applications by the FDA.

Am I surprised that Frances Kelsey's role in stopping approval of thalidomide was completely erased in favor of what sounds like nationalistic BS? No. But I'm still disappointed.