FDA chief to depart after Trump signed off on ousting him

FDA chief to depart after Trump signed off on ousting him

FDA chief to depart after Trump – Marty Makary, the head of the Food and Drug Administration, has announced his exit from the Trump administration, according to three individuals close to the situation. His departure followed President Donald Trump’s endorsement of a plan to remove him from his position last week. Makary’s resignation marks another significant shift in the leadership of the US Health and Human Services Department, which is currently without a permanent director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a confirmed surgeon general.

The decision to dismiss Makary came amid mounting pressure from within and outside the administration. Internally, he clashed with officials over his stance on approving flavored e-cigarettes, a move that sparked direct confrontation with Trump. Externally, pharmaceutical companies and anti-abortion groups criticized his leadership, citing policy confusion and delays in key decisions. This tension culminated in a series of internal reviews and public critiques, hastening the process of his removal.

As the FDA chief, Makary faced constant turnover in senior roles, which some viewed as a sign of instability. His resignation now leaves Trump with the task of filling yet another top post, adding to the administration’s challenges in maintaining consistent leadership. The Senate Appropriations Committee had scheduled a hearing for Makary’s testimony on the FDA’s proposed budget just one day before his exit, creating a sense of urgency around the decision.

Despite his efforts to secure Trump’s support, Makary was caught off guard when reports emerged that the president had approved his firing. This came after a faction of White House and Health and Human Services officials pushed for a leadership change, arguing that the FDA’s chaotic environment and policy disagreements were undermining its effectiveness. The administration’s internal debates highlighted differing views on the timing and implications of his removal.

Some Trump advisors warned that ousting another senior health official could alienate the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” base, which has been vocal about maintaining strong leadership in public health. They feared that replacing Makary would divert attention from critical issues and require the Senate to spend valuable time confirming a new appointee before the midterms. However, others saw the move as necessary to realign the FDA with the administration’s priorities, particularly in areas like drug approvals and reproductive health policies.

Among the key factors prompting Makary’s departure was his resistance to approving fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, which led to a heated exchange with Trump. The president’s direct intervention underscored his frustration with the FDA’s internal disagreements. In the end, the agency reversed its position on flavored e-cigarettes, signaling a shift in policy direction. This reversal, however, did not come without controversy, as it highlighted the tension between regulatory caution and political pressure.

Makary’s tenure was also marked by significant challenges in drug approval processes. Since his confirmation in March 2025, he had pledged to expedite decisions on medications, medical devices, and vaccines. Yet, his approach drew criticism from pharmaceutical firms that felt his management was slow and inconsistent. Meanwhile, other Trump officials questioned his effectiveness in managing the FDA’s broader responsibilities, including tobacco regulations and public health initiatives.

One of the most recent episodes that intensified calls for his removal involved the mail distribution of the abortion pill mifepristone. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s president, Marjorie Dannenfelser, met with White House officials to push for reversing FDA rules that permit the drug to be sent through the mail. This move could have widespread implications for abortion access, as the FDA sets nationwide guidelines for its use. Medication abortion now accounts for approximately two-thirds of all US abortions, a trend that has grown since the Supreme Court stripped the country of nationwide abortion rights in 2023.

Social conservatives had long argued that mifepristone’s accessibility could become a pivotal issue in the midterm elections. With the Supreme Court hinting at revisiting the topic, the administration’s stance on the drug’s distribution became increasingly political. Makary, who had been a focal point of these debates, faced accusations from activists that his leadership was contributing to the uncertainty surrounding reproductive health policies.

While Makary sought to maintain his position by reassuring allies of Trump’s continued confidence, the administration’s factional divisions made his future uncertain. The recent push to remove him was driven by a coalition of officials who believed the FDA needed a more aligned leadership to address its internal conflicts and improve relations with key constituencies. This includes strengthening ties with the anti-abortion movement and ensuring smoother collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry.

As part of this restructuring, White House and HHS officials are also evaluating potential changes to the FDA’s senior staff. This could signal a broader reorganization aimed at streamlining decision-making and reinforcing the administration’s health policy agenda. Makary’s resignation, however, raises questions about the stability of the FDA’s leadership and its ability to navigate the complex landscape of regulatory decisions under Trump’s oversight.

“FDA Commissioner Makary should be fired immediately,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, days before the White House’s decision to oust him. Her statement reflected the growing frustration among anti-abortion advocates with the agency’s policies, particularly those affecting access to mifepristone.