AP report: Marty Makary resigning as Trump's FDA chief

May 13, 2026 - 01:07

Marty Makary is resigning as head of the Food and Drug Administration, according to an Associated Press report. His departure comes after a turbulent tenure marked by deep internal discord and a series of high-profile clashes between scientific integrity and political pressure.

During his time at the FDA, Makary struggled to gain the trust of the agency's career staff. Morale plummeted following widespread layoffs, abrupt leadership reshuffles, and multiple controversies where the agency's long-standing scientific standards appeared to be sidelined in favor of political agendas. Critics say the administration's push to fast-track certain drug approvals and loosen regulatory oversight created an environment of uncertainty and distrust among scientists and public health experts.

Makary, a surgeon and author known for his contrarian views on public health, was appointed to lead the agency amid promises to cut bureaucracy and speed up medical product reviews. However, his management style and the administration's broader efforts to reshape the FDA's mission alienated many veteran officials. Several senior scientists resigned or were pushed out during his term, further destabilizing an agency already strained by the pandemic response and ongoing drug safety debates.

The White House has not yet named a successor. Makary's resignation is expected to take effect in the coming weeks, leaving the FDA facing an uncertain transition at a time when it is overseeing critical vaccine approvals, drug shortages, and food safety regulations.