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# FDA Acting Drugs Head to Leave Agency Soon: Report
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-acting-drugs-head-to-leave-agency-soon-report/
- Published: 2026-05-15T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T13:39:21.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5161151

CDER acting director **Tracey Beth Hoeg** is expected to leave the agency just days after the resignation of former FDA commissioner **Marty Makary**, according to three people familiar with internal planning, Reuters [reported](https://www.reuters.com/world/fda-drug-center-head-expected-leave-after-commissioners-exit-sources-say-2026-05-15/?ref=fdaweb.com) Friday.

Hoeg, an epidemiologist and sports physician who drew criticism during the Covid-19 pandemic for questioning aspects of U.S. vaccination policy, helped lead an effort earlier this year to overhaul the nation’s childhood immunization schedule under the direction of HHS secretary **Robert F. Kennedy Jr**. The proposed changes, announced in January, would have reduced the number of recommended childhood vaccine shots from 17 to 11\. The overhaul was later paused amid litigation challenging broader vaccine policy changes pursued by HHS under Kennedy.

Hoeg has been serving in a temporary capacity after replacing then-Center director **Rick Pazdur** ([see story](https://fdaweb.com/login.php?sa=v&aid=D5160306&cate=&stid=%241%24M5%2F.lY%2F.%24CA5IzaTuh00gQ7YBwMHn8%2F&ref=fdaweb.com)). Her selection in December had raised concern with public health experts because of herpast criticism of Covid-19 policies and vaccines.

Her expected departure likely fits in with recent White House orders to tone down and curtail public commentary on vaccines as part of a deliberate political strategy by the Trump administration ([see story](https://www.fdaweb.com/rfk-jr-tones-down-vaccine-skepticism-in-run-up-to-midterms/)). An internal memo reported by Bloomberg outlines a “low-risk messaging” approach that sidelines vaccine rhetoric in favor of less polarizing issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Internal polling cited by administration officials found that vaccine policy — long a central focus of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda — has become politically unpopular with key voting blocs.

“HHS and FDA do not comment on personnel matters,” HHS spokeswoman **Emily Hilliard** said in a statement.