FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Steps Down, Concluding a Contentious Leadership Period

(SeaPRwire) –   Dr. Marty Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has stepped down amid increasing pressure from both within and outside the Trump Administration.

“I want to thank Dr. Marty Makary for doing a great job at the FDA,” President Donald Trump stated in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, noting that multiple outlets had reported he had approved a plan to dismiss Makary. “So much was accomplished under his leadership. He was a hard worker, respected by all, and will go on to have an outstanding career in medicine.”

Trump also confirmed that Kyle Diamantas, the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Food—whom the President described as “a very talented person”—will succeed Makary as the agency’s acting head.

“He’s a great doctor, and he was having some difficulty,” Trump remarked to reporters outside the White House on Tuesday. “But he’s going to go on and he’s going to do well.”

Makary’s resignation follows the FDA’s recent approval of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes—the agency’s first such authorization—a policy shift that has drawn sharp criticism from public health organizations.

According to The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter, Makary reportedly disagreed with Trump and other administration officials over the e-cigarette authorization, which he opposed due to concerns about its appeal to youth. That disagreement ultimately led to his decision to resign.

The dispute over e-cigarettes was the latest in a string of controversies during Makary’s time at the FDA, a period marked by internal turmoil, including mass layoffs and the departure or forced exit of numerous senior career staff, as well as ongoing tensions with industry and advocacy groups over drug evaluations and approvals.

In addition to the internal clash over e-cigarettes, Makary faced growing backlash from external allies of the administration, particularly anti-abortion organizations, which accused him of delaying the review of the abortion medication mifepristone.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical industry leaders voiced concerns about inconsistent product reviews under Makary’s leadership, despite his efforts to accelerate the approval process. He also drew criticism from public health officials, who claimed he was accommodating anti-vaccine advocates.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who had reportedly become increasingly frustrated with Makary’s leadership, praised the outgoing commissioner in a social media post on Tuesday.

“Marty, you took on entrenched interests, challenged the status quo, and never lost sight of the American people we serve,” Kennedy wrote. “You pushed forward critical reforms and helped advance our mission to Make America Healthy Again. I’m grateful for your courage and your friendship. Wishing you the very best in your next chapter.”

The HHS Secretary added that the search for a new commissioner is already underway.