Embattled FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned Tuesday, marking a major leadership shakeup at the Food and Drug Administration amid mounting scrutiny over the agency’s handling of abortion drug policy and other internal disputes within the Trump administration.
Makary stepped down after months of pressure from both pro-life advocates and administration allies who accused the FDA of moving too slowly on key priorities, including a review of the abortion drug mifepristone and broader “Make America Healthy Again” initiatives.
According to the New York Times, tensions between Makary and President Donald Trump escalated over the administration’s reported plans to authorize fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, a move Makary opposed. The outlet reported that the disagreement ultimately contributed to his resignation.
Speaking to reporters before departing for China, Trump declined to clarify whether Makary resigned voluntarily or had been pushed out.
“Everybody wants that job. It’s a very important job, Marty is a terrific guy,” Trump said. “He was having some difficulties; he’s a great doctor, and he was having some difficulties. But he’s going to go on, and he’s going to do well.”
Makary had faced increasing criticism from pro-life lawmakers and advocacy groups over the FDA’s approach to mifepristone, the abortion drug at the center of an ongoing legal battle before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding restrictions on mail-order access.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) praised Makary’s departure in a statement Tuesday, accusing the outgoing commissioner of undermining pro-life priorities at the agency.
“He attempted to place pro-abortion lawyers in key positions. He slow-walked a vitally necessary review of the abortion drug mifepristone,” Hawley said. “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 pro-life leaders and repeatedly stonewalled Congress. His resignation is an opportunity for the FDA to reset.”
FDA Deputy Commissioner Kyle Diamantas will serve as acting commissioner following Makary’s departure, according to Politico.
Makary’s resignation comes amid broader turbulence at the FDA, where the agency has also faced criticism from Democrats over vaccine policy and public health decisions under the Trump administration.
