politics
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Faces Internal Administration Pressure
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary has clashed with President Donald Trump and White House staff in recent weeks over vaping products, abortion pill regulations and drug approval processes. The Washington Examiner reported that anonymous administration officials described Makary as being on thin ice as the White House works to reshape its healthcare agenda ahead of…
May 6, 1:19 PM·3m read1 source
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Pressure has increased on Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary from multiple directions as the White House seeks to adjust its healthcare agenda before the November midterm elections. Makary has had several clashes with President Donald Trump and White House staff in recent weeks over various issues.
Inside reports have suggested he may be on his way out. Makary left a surgical position at Johns Hopkins University to join the Trump administration. He previously gained attention for his criticism of the former Biden administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since his appointment, the FDA has been central to several health policy issues facing the administration. Tensions between Makary and Trump increased in recent days. Anonymous administration officials told NOTUS that the FDA chief is on thin ice. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. considered delegating major FDA responsibilities to other officials late last year, which would have reduced Makary to a figurehead role.
Trump promised during the 2024 campaign to support vaping. Makary had moved slowly on approving new flavored vape and nicotine products. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump scolded Makary over the weekend for not acting quickly enough. Within hours of that report, the FDA announced approval of four new vape flavors, including two fruit flavors, blueberry and mango, for the first time.
The FDA said the products underwent rigorous scientific review. The agency added that age verification requirements and marketing rules would minimize use by those under 21. White House spokesman Kush Desai described Makary’s work at the FDA as trailblazing leadership.
