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FDA Commissioner exits after year in role
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Marty Makary, the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is leaving his position after just over a year in the role. Makary, a British-American surgeon, faced criticism from both within and outside the administration for his stance on flavored vaping products and abortion pill regulations.
Trump confirms departure, praises Makary
Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a state visit to China, Trump described Makary as "a great doctor" and "a friend." He did not clarify whether Makary resigned or was dismissed but noted that the commissioner had encountered "some difficulties."
Trump added that Kyle Diamantas, a deputy commissioner at the FDA, will serve as acting head until a permanent replacement is named.
"He's going to go on and he's going to do well," Trump said of Makary.
Policy clashes and internal tensions
Makary's tenure was marked by controversy, particularly over his resistance to approving flavored vaping products. According to a Wall Street Journal report last month, he blocked FDA approval of fruit-flavored vapes produced by a U.S. company, despite scientists within the agency greenlighting the products. Health advocates have long argued that such flavors appeal to children, though Trump has repeatedly expressed support for their approval.
In early May, the FDA authorized its first fruit-flavored e-cigarette products-mango, blueberry, and menthol-manufactured by Los Angeles-based company Glas.
Makary also faced backlash from anti-abortion groups after the FDA approved a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, a move that expanded access to the medication. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America called for his removal over the decision.
Broader challenges and criticism
Beyond vaping and abortion policies, Makary drew criticism from pharmaceutical companies for rejecting several drug applications, including treatments for rare diseases and cancer. His skepticism of federal COVID-19 policies, including vaccine mandates, had previously brought him into the national spotlight.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged Makary's departure on social media, praising his efforts to challenge "entrenched interests" and advance the administration's "Make America Healthy Again" mission.
"You pushed forward critical reforms and helped advance our mission to Make America Healthy Again," Kennedy wrote.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary
Background and recent departures
Makary, a former surgeon at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, was appointed FDA commissioner by Trump in March 2025. His exit follows a series of high-profile departures from the administration, including Navy Secretary John Phelan, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem.
Born in Liverpool, England, Makary moved to the U.S. as a child and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. His departure leaves another vacancy in an administration that has seen frequent turnover among top health officials, including the recent exits of HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill and CDC Director Susan Monarez last year.
