President Donald Trump has approved a plan to remove Dr. Marty Makary as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to sources familiar with the decision. The move follows a series of clashes between Makary and the administration over key regulatory issues, including vaping policies, oversight of the abortion pill mifepristone, and denials of new drug applications that have unsettled the biotechnology industry.
The decision to fire Makary, who was appointed by Trump in 2025, comes after months of tension. Makary, a surgeon and author known for his outspoken views on public health, had pushed for stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and sought to maintain access to mifepristone, which has been a target of conservative groups. His stance on drug approvals, particularly the rejection of several high-profile therapies, also drew criticism from industry executives and some White House officials.
White House officials have not publicly commented on the plan, but insiders indicate that Trump signed off on the firing earlier this week. The FDA has faced significant scrutiny under Makary's leadership, with debates over the agency's role in balancing public health and industry interests. A replacement has not yet been named, but sources suggest the administration is considering candidates who align more closely with Trump's deregulatory agenda.
Makary's potential dismissal adds to a pattern of turnover in Trump's second term, as the president continues to reshape federal agencies. The FDA, which oversees products accounting for about 20 cents of every dollar spent in the U.S. economy, remains a critical battleground for policy disputes. Critics argue that removing Makary could disrupt ongoing regulatory processes, while supporters say it will streamline approvals and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
