Breaking: FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns Amid Mounting Pressure From Trump Allies

Dr. Marty Makary has stepped down as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration following growing tensions inside President Donald Trump’s administration over abortion policy, vaping regulations, and the agency’s handling of pharmaceutical approvals.

According to Politico, Makary officially resigned Tuesday after months of friction with influential Republican lawmakers and White House officials.

“Kyle Diamantas, who previously worked as the top food official at the agency, will lead the FDA in an acting capacity, the administration official said,” the outlet reported.

Sources familiar with the matter told Politico that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ultimately made the decision to move in a different direction at the agency.

The resignation follows a series of controversies that increasingly put Makary at odds with conservatives and administration priorities.

“He upset anti-abortion Republicans keen on having the FDA restrict telehealth prescription of the abortion pill mifepristone, was pressured by Trump to authorize flavored vapes after initially raising concern about the products and was criticized by biopharmaceutical companies that argued Makary’s agency was inconsistent in its review of their medicines,” Politico said.

Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley responded publicly after the news broke, praising Makary’s departure and accusing the outgoing commissioner of undermining pro-life priorities within the FDA.

“This is welcome news. Dr. Makary was uniquely destructive to the prolife movement. He attempted to place pro-abortion lawyers in key positions. He slow walked a vitally necessary review of the abortion drug mifepristone. He used his discretion to approve a new abortion drug when the data shows it sends 1 in 10 women to the emergency room,” Hawley wrote.

“He froze out prolife leaders and repeatedly stonewalled Congress. His resignation is an opportunity for the FDA to reset,” the senator added.

At the same time, tensions reportedly escalated between Makary and White House advisers over vaping policy.

ABC News reported that advisers to President Trump believed Makary was delaying the administration’s efforts to follow through on campaign promises related to vaping products.

“The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers on May 6. And last week, the FDA approved four new devices made by Glas, including classic menthol, fresh menthol, gold, and sapphire pods,” the outlet noted.

Critics of the decision, including pediatric advocacy organizations, warned that flavored vaping products could increase youth nicotine use.

Before departing Tuesday for China, President Trump was asked directly about Makary’s resignation and offered supportive remarks toward the outgoing commissioner.

“Marty’s a great guy,” Trump said. “He’s a friend of mine, he’s a wonderful man, and he’s going to be off, and the deputy is taking over temporarily … Everybody wants that job.”

Makary’s resignation now sets the stage for a potentially major reset at the FDA as President Trump’s administration continues reshaping federal agencies around its America First health and regulatory agenda.