FDA Policy/General

Report says Makary May Face Ouster Amid White House Tensions

FDA commissioner Marty Makary is reportedly in the White House’s crosshairs and could be removed from his post in the coming weeks as the Trump administration weighs a broader shakeup of key personnel, according to a 5/6 report published by journalist Rachael Bade on her Substack.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with internal discussions, the report said Makary has lost support among some administration officials and key political constituencies amid disputes over regulatory decisions, personnel matters and management style. The report emphasized that no final decision has been made and that President Trump could ultimately decide to retain him.

The report follows recent coverage by The Wall Street Journal detailing tensions between Makary and White House officials over flavored vaping and nicotine product applications. According to that report, Trump privately expressed frustration that FDA was moving too slowly on approvals sought by vaping manufacturers, an issue viewed as politically sensitive among some supporters of the president. The agency this week authorized several flavored nicotine products after previously signaling ongoing concerns about youth appeal and product safety.

The Substack report also said Makary has faced criticism from some factions aligned with Trump’s political coalition, including activists associated with the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and anti-abortion groups. For example, Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, recently called for Makary’s dismissal over what she characterized as delays in action involving abortion pills.

At the same time, the White House publicly defended Makary. White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement cited by the report that Makary “continues to be an invaluable asset” to the administration and praised his efforts to modernize FDA drug review processes and implement Trump administration health priorities.

Since taking office, media reports have also characterized internal disagreements that have emerged over staffing and personnel decisions at the agency, including leadership selections within vaccine regulation and disputes involving career FDA officials.

Neither the White House nor FDA publicly indicated that personnel changes are imminent.

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome