Trump FDA chief is leaving after angering pharma CEOs, vaping lobbyists and anti-abortion groups

Dr. Marty Makary has resigned as head of the Food and Drug Administration after a tumultuous 13-month tenure. His leadership was marked by conflict with health industry executives, vaping lobbyists, and anti-abortion groups. Although Makary was a prominent critic of COVID-19 policies, he struggled to manage the agency's bureaucracy and faced internal criticism regarding staff morale and leadership instability. The decision to remove him was reportedly made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and approved by the White House. Makary's time in office was characterized by high turnover among senior career officials and controversies over scientific decision-making. His attempts to streamline drug reviews were frequently overshadowed by disputes involving his handpicked deputy, Dr. Vinay Prasad. Anti-abortion activists specifically criticized Makary for his handling of the abortion pill mifepristone, while vaping industry leaders were unhappy with his regulatory stance. Despite a recent, abrupt shift to authorize fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, the administration ultimately moved forward with his departure. Kyle Diamantas, the agency's chief for foods, is expected to serve as the acting commissioner. The future of many of Makary's proposed initiatives remains uncertain as they have not yet been fully enshrined in law.