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# FDA in Turmoil as Critics Across Washington Pile On
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-in-turmoil-as-critics-across-washington-pile-on/
- Published: 2026-05-14T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T13:39:15.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5161146

The sudden resignation of FDA commissioner **Marty Makary** capped one of the shortest and most turbulent FDA tenures in recent memory, with media reports over the past two days painting a portrait of an agency consumed by political warfare, regulatory uncertainty and internal upheaval. Makary formally stepped down Tuesday after weeks of speculation that the White House was preparing to remove him. The Trump administration quickly named **Kyle Diamantas**, FDA deputy commissioner for food, as acting commissioner.

The reporting across various media outlets revealed an unusual convergence of criticism from nearly every corner of the healthcare and political ecosystem. Conservatives accused Makary of moving too slowly on flavored vape approvals and abortion-pill restrictions, while public health advocates and many FDA veterans argued he weakened scientific norms and aligned too closely with HHS secretary **Robert F. Kennedy Jr.** on vaccines and other controversial policies.

Reuters reported that Makary’s downfall accelerated after clashes with White House officials over flavored e-cigarettes. According to [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-commissioner-makary-is-resigning-politico-reports-2026-05-12/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com), Trump “upbraided” Makary for not approving flavored vaping products quickly enough.

At the same time, [Fox News reported](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-fda-boss-resigning-admin-taps-next-acting-leader?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) that anti-abortion groups had intensified pressure on the commissioner over access to Mifepristone, while biotech executives and investors increasingly complained about inconsistent regulatory decisions under his leadership.

STAT delivered some of the harshest assessments. One [commentary](https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/12/marty-makary-worst-fda-commissioner-25-years-stat-writer-matthew-herper/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) described Makary as “the worst FDA commissioner in 25 years,” arguing he failed to understand both the agency’s scientific mission and its political realities. Another [STAT report](https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/12/fda-commissioner-marty-makary-resigns-kyle-diamantas-acting/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) said factions within HHS had been exploring ways to remove him for months.

The broader industry reaction, however, was more complicated. [Reuters reported](https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/makary-exit-may-temporarily-lift-biotech-sentiment-fda-leadership-vacuum-looms-2026-05-13/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) that biotech stocks rallied modestly following news of Makary’s exit, with investors hoping new leadership could restore predictability to the drug review process. Companies involved in recent disputes with FDA — including Replimune and uniQure — saw shares rise after the resignation became public.

Coverage also highlighted growing concern over leadership vacancies across the federal health apparatus. The [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/makary-fda-cdc-hhs-rfk-leadership-health-231e18e04e7b5a35395742390ca4b66a?ref=fdaweb.com) noted that FDA now joins the CDC and surgeon general’s office in lacking permanent Senate-confirmed leadership, creating what critics described as an increasingly unstable public health infrastructure.

Much of the scrutiny centered on the FDA’s recent string of controversial decisions. Media reports revisited disputes involving Moderna’s flu vaccine, psychedelic drug reviews, rare disease therapies, vaping enforcement and Covid-19 vaccine policy.

The [Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/05/13/marty-makary-fda-resignation-gives-chance-needed-reset/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) editorial board argued Makary’s resignation offers FDA “a desperately needed reset,” saying his tenure began with promises of innovation but devolved into regulatory inconsistency and politicization.

Attention is now shifting to Diamantas, a 38-year-old lawyer with close ties to the Trump orbit and strong connections to the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” food agenda, according to [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/13/kyle-diamantas-new-acting-fda-commissioner?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com). Multiple reports emphasized that Diamantas lacks a medical or scientific background, an unusual profile for someone leading the FDA even temporarily.

The White House has reportedly begun searching for a permanent replacement, with former FDA leaders **Stephen Hahn, Brett Giroir** and **Sara Brenner** among the names circulating in media reports.

For now, FDA enters another transition period at a time when the agency is confronting politically explosive issues ranging from artificial food dyes and ultra-processed foods to vaccines, tobacco regulation, psychedelics, obesity drugs, mifepristone and accelerated approvals.