Trump Approves Plan to Dismiss FDA Commissioner Makary

President Donald Trump has approved a plan to dismiss Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, though the decision is not final and could change.

The move stems from ongoing concerns among White House aides and external groups about Makary's leadership of the 16,000-employee agency, including delays in approving flavored vaping products and handling of regulations on the abortion pill mifepristone. Sources said Trump grew frustrated after Makary initially resisted approving flavors such as blueberry and mango from a Los Angeles manufacturer, citing risks of appeal to children. Within hours of media reports on the dispute earlier this week, the FDA announced approvals for four new vaping flavors.

Makary, a former Johns Hopkins University surgery professor and author of books critiquing healthcare costs, was confirmed as commissioner in March 2025. His tenure has included initiatives to shorten drug review timelines, address misleading advertisements and push food companies to eliminate chemical dyes. However, it has also seen significant staff turnover, with thousands of employees departing through firings or...