Trump Administration Seeks Next FDA Commissioner to Rebuild Trust and Advance Reforms
The administration is moving quickly to find a successor after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned on Tuesday. Officials want the next leader to rebuild trust with agency staff, emphasize food policy and continue drug-approval reforms. The search is expected to take several weeks amid a busy Senate confirmation calendar.
thehindu.comThe Trump administration is moving quickly to identify the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration after the resignation of Marty Makary on Tuesday. Administration officials are looking for someone who can rebuild trust with agency staff, focus on the agency’s food policy and continue to drive drug-approval reforms.
An official with knowledge of the process, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said leaders hope to conduct the search over the next several weeks. Despite chatter among lobbyists about potential candidates, there is currently no short list, the official said.
The process is expected to take time even with the sense of urgency.
The Senate is in session for a limited number of days in the coming weeks. Officials also need to confirm the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nominee and the surgeon general nominee before turning full attention to the FDA role. It is possible that the former head of the FDA’s food center will remain acting commissioner through the November midterms.
The development was reported by STAT on May 13, 2026.
Key Facts
Potential Impact
- 01
The FDA will operate with an acting commissioner for an extended period.
- 02
Senate confirmation schedule may delay installation of permanent commissioner.
- 03
Food policy and drug-approval initiatives are expected to remain agency priorities.
- 04
Agency staff trust-building is listed as a key qualification for the new leader.
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