FDA Approves Flavored Vapes; Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns

Marty Makary resigned as FDA Commissioner on May 12, 2026, after serving one year in the post. He had privately opposed the Trump administration decision to approve flavored vapes, according to The New York Times. Senior administration officials concluded he was out of step with President Trump’s priorities.

The following day, Rich Danker resigned as chief spokesperson for HHS on May 13, 2026. He quit over disagreement with the Trump administration's approval of e-cigarette flavors. The administration had approved blueberry and mango flavored vape pods to be manufactured by Glas Inc.

Glas Inc. will use age verification methods including checking government-issued IDs to block children from purchasing the product. U.S.

Food and Drug Administration marketing approval of cigarette flavors that would appeal to children and expose them to nicotine addiction, lung damage and higher risk of cancer. Danker added that routine approval of these products would undermine the agency’s Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Premarket Applications Considerations Related to Youth Risk guidance for industry issued in March with the support of the White House.

The resignations mark the second high-profile departure from HHS over policy disagreements.

Tom Corry resigned as HHS spokesperson last year over HHS Secretary Robert F. 's approach to handling the measles outbreak in Texas. Makary’s exit leaves the agency’s top food official to step into the role on an acting basis.

The flavored vape decision reflects a shift in regulatory stance that both men viewed as inconsistent with prior youth-protection efforts endorsed at the highest levels of the administration.