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# Editorial Criticizes Makary Over Leadership Decisions
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/editorial-criticizes-makary-over-leadership-decisions/
- Published: 2026-03-27T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T13:36:18.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5160892

An [opinion piece](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/25/editorial-makarys-fda-leadership-raises-alarms-ideology-replacing/?ref=fdaweb.com) published by *The Washington Times*’ editorial board is drawing attention to growing criticism of FDA commissioner **Marty Makary**, arguing that his agency leadership reflects ideology overtaking scientific judgment. The editorial takes aim at recent remarks by Makary and personnel decisions within the agency, raising concerns about their potential impact on public health policy and trust in the FDA.

Central to the criticism are comments Makary reportedly made at a HHS conference on women’s health. According to the editorial, the FDA commissioner said he would be reluctant to give his child antibiotics “unless he is on his deathbed or suffering.” The remarks prompted pushback from pediatric infectious disease specialists, the editorial notes, who argued that such an approach could fall outside accepted standards of care and risk confusing parents about appropriate treatment.

The opinion piece also links Makary’s comments to broader concerns about leadership under the Trump administration, particularly within the **Robert F. Kennedy Jr.**\-led HHS. It argues that staffing choices, including the appointment of CBER director **Vinay Prasad** to senior roles, have contributed to uncertainty among patients, clinicians, and industry stakeholders. Prasad is leaving the agency next month to return to the private sector.

Additionally, the editorial claims that Makary’s public statements and internal leadership decisions have raised alarms among some healthcare professionals and investors in the biopharmaceutical sector. It suggests that uncertainty at FDA could affect confidence in drug approvals and regulatory consistency.