Dr. Marty Makary intends to resign as FDA commissioner: Sources
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary has announced his intention to step down on Tuesday, according to sources familiar with the matter. His resignation comes after public clashes with lawmakers, major pharmaceutical companies, and even President Donald Trump himself. Makary was set to testify on Capitol Hill the following day before his resignation.
A trained surgeon, Makary rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably advocating against mask mandates for children and vaccine requirements. He also criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for basing recommendations on Israeli data rather than conducting independent research. Since assuming office in March 2025, Makary has been focused on reshaping vaccine policies and transforming American diets.
In a significant move in May 2025, Makary appeared alongside Kennedy in a video announcing the removal of the COVID-19 vaccine from the CDC’s immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. He emphasized that there was no evidence to support the necessity of the vaccine for healthy kids at that time, a stance adopted by most countries.
Last year, Makary was involved in a press conference where the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and FDA announced plans to phase out eight artificial food dyes and colorings from the American food supply by the end of 2026. Makary highlighted the need to eliminate synthetic chemicals from children’s diets, emphasizing the harmful impact of these substances.
Additionally, Makary supported Kennedy’s updated federal dietary guidelines, which recommended limiting processed foods and refined carbohydrates while advocating for the consumption of red meat and full-fat dairy. This shift marked a departure from previous nutrition guidance that demonized natural fats and advised against consuming certain foods like eggs and steak.
In a controversial move, President Trump criticized Makary for delaying the approval of flavored vape and nicotine products. Trump, who had pledged to “save” vaping during his campaign, was reportedly displeased with Makary’s handling of the issue. This criticism further strained the relationship between the commissioner and the administration.
Overall, Marty Makary’s tenure as FDA Commissioner has been marked by bold stances on public health policies and dietary guidelines. His resignation signals a changing of the guard at the FDA, with potential implications for future regulatory decisions. As the agency looks ahead to new leadership, the impact of Makary’s departure on public health initiatives remains to be seen.
