Trump confirms Makary out at FDA

By Andrew Rice
The Center Square

President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that Marty Makary would be leaving his post atop the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

While speaking to reporters on the White House lawn Tuesday, Trump said Makary would be leaving. He said FDA deputy commissioner Kyle Diamantes will take over as the adminsitration seeks a new leader of the federal agency.

“He was having some difficulty,” Trump said. “Marty is a terrific guy, but he’s going to go and lead a good life.”

Trump did not specify what kind of difficulty Makary experienced. Several reports circulated that there was an internal dispute over approval for flavored vapes at the FDA. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump pressured Makary to approve fruit-flavored vapes, but he was hesitant to do so.

Trump said many people are seeking the job atop the agency.

Makary was expected to testify on Capitol Hill Wednesday to present the FDA’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Diamantes is expected to take his place.

Makary was confirmed to lead the FDA in March 2025. Since then, he’s sought to make several changes to the agency’s policies and change organizational structure. Makary sought to limit antidepressants for pregnant women and ban kratom byproducts.

“He’s a friend of mine, he’s a wonderful man and he’s going to be off,” Trump said of Makary.