Trump reportedly plans to fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary
Ars Technica • • business
Key Points:
- President Trump has approved a plan to fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, though the decision is not yet final and may change, according to multiple media reports.
- The move follows a turbulent year for Makary marked by controversies over vaccine approvals, gene therapy, abortion pill oversight, and vape regulation.
- Trump reportedly criticized Makary for delaying approval of flavored vape products, which Makary had withheld due to concerns about youth vaping; the FDA authorized the products after Trump’s pressure.
- Administration insiders view Makary as a management challenge who clashed with other health officials and faced criticism from the pharmaceutical industry.
- Makary’s potential removal would contribute to leadership vacancies in key health agencies under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., amid widespread departures from the FDA, CDC, and NIH.
