Trump Forces Out FDA Commissioner Marty Makary After 13 Months
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary resigned on May 12, 2026 after President Trump signed off on his ouster — ending a turbulent 13-month tenure marked by conflicts with the White House, anti-abortion groups, and the vaping industry. Makary was caught in crossfire from multiple directions: Trump was furious that Makary tried to block FDA approval of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, citing their appeal to children. Anti-abortion groups including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America demanded his removal for slow-walking a safety review of the abortion pill mifepristone. Pharmaceutical industry allies were also critical of his leadership style. Trump praised Makary as a "wonderful man" who would "lead a good life." Kyle Diamantas, the FDA's Deputy Commissioner for Food, was named acting FDA chief pending a permanent replacement requiring Senate confirmation. Democrats praised Makary as someone who resisted White House pressure on vaping, while several Republican senators — unhappy about the mifepristone delay — welcomed his departure and called for a more explicitly pro-life successor.
“This is welcome news. Dr. Makary was uniquely destructive to the prolife movement. He attempted to place pro-abortion lawyers in key positions. He slow walked a vitally necessary review of the abortion drug mifepristone. He used his discretion to approve a new abortion drug when the data shows it sends 1 in 10 women to the emergency room. He froze out prolife leaders and repeatedly stonewalled Congress. His resignation is an opportunity for the FDA to reset.”