FDA Commissioner Marty Makary fired after clashes with Trump administration

Dr. Marty Makary, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been fired by President Donald Trump. The decision follows months of disputes over vaping regulations, the oversight of abortion medication, and the rejection of new drug applications. Makary, a former cancer surgeon and health policy researcher, had faced growing opposition from multiple groups during his tenure. Before taking charge of the FDA, Makary worked as a cancer surgeon and researcher at Johns Hopkins University. His appointment brought a high public profile, with frequent appearances on television and podcasts. Yet his leadership soon drew criticism from abortion opponents, biotech firms, and vaping advocates.

The White House reportedly pressured Makary to approve flavoured e-cigarettes, including blueberry and mango varieties. Meanwhile, abortion foes demanded his removal over his handling of the mifepristone safety review. Biotech companies also raised concerns after the FDA rejected treatments for rare diseases, arguing the decisions were too strict. Makary defended the agency’s choices, stating that career scientists had determined certain medications ineffective. He attempted to strike a balance between business-friendly policies and improving morale within the FDA. However, these efforts failed to ease tensions with critics focused on tobacco, abortion, and biotech therapies. Ultimately, the clashes over these issues led to Trump’s decision to dismiss him. The president signed off on the firing after months of escalating disputes.

Makary’s departure leaves the FDA without its most visible leader in recent years. His exit follows persistent conflicts over drug approvals, vaping rules, and abortion pill oversight. The agency will now need to address these ongoing controversies under new leadership.