FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns Amid Trump Administration Health Policy Disputes

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned on Tuesday following intense political battles over health policy that drew criticism from anti-abortion activists and industry executives.

Makary, who led the agency responsible for regulating food safety, medications, tobacco, vaccines, and more, stepped down after President Donald Trump pressured him to approve fruit-flavored vapes earlier this month. Advisers to Trump argued that flavored vaping was important to young MAGA voters. Makary opposed the move, but last Friday, the FDA adopted a new policy allowing tobacco and vape companies to sell e-cigarettes regardless.

Anti-abortion groups also targeted Makary, demanding the FDA reverse its approval of the abortion drug mifepristone, which is used in most abortions and previously required an in-person visit. A federal court mandated in-person requirements earlier this month, though the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated telemedicine and mail access to the drug last week.

Leadership Gaps and Resignations in Trump Administration

Makary’s resignation adds to the vacancies in the Trump administration, which has yet to appoint a permanent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director or a surgeon general for Robert F. Kennedy’s health department. Trump has previously removed other officials, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, for failing to align with his demands.

Trump confirmed Makary’s departure on Tuesday ahead of his trip to China to meet with President Xi Jinping. “He was having some difficulty. He’s a great doctor. He’s going to go on and do well,” Trump told reporters. “Everybody wants that job.”

Makary’s Controversial Tenure and Policy Stances

Makary was initially seen as a strong candidate for FDA commissioner due to his anti-abortion views and promises to expedite policy changes. However, his stance on issues like flavored vapes and mifepristone failed to satisfy Trump and his far-right supporters. Julianne McShane of Mother Jones noted in March that Makary had previously spread misinformation, including claims to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that fetuses feel pain weeks earlier than scientific consensus supports.

Kyle Diamantas, a deputy commissioner at the FDA, will serve as acting head of the agency, according to Politico, which first reported Makary’s resignation. Whether Diamantas or a future nominee will align with Trump’s directives remains uncertain.