FDA Drama: A New Commissioner Must Do Better
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration is reportedly planning to fire U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary, according to multiple news reports. Makary has been the FDA Commissioner since April 2025. He was sworn in soon after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. fired about 3,500 workers from the agency, roughly 20% of its workforce. The plans could still change.
Dr. Robert Steinbrook, Health Research Group Director at Public Citizen, issued the following statement.
“Although Dr. Makary had the potential to be an effective FDA commissioner, the agency under his leadership has been chaotic, dysfunctional, and all over the place on its standards for drug and biologics approvals and other policy matters. The leadership ranks have frequently turned over, the demoralized staff have been eviscerated, and the agency’s independent evidence-based scientific process has been repeatedly compromised by political interference.
“Makary’s sensible initiatives, such as clamping down on misleading drug advertisements and excluding certain high-profile diabetes and weight loss drugs from compounding, have been overshadowed by the constant flip-flops and drama.
“If Makary is fired, the next nominee might be even worse. As a society, it is essential for the FDA to be doing its many jobs, effectively and based on science, not personal whims and political considerations. We must have an FDA commissioner who will lead with unquestioned integrity, ensure independence from Pharma and political interference, and inspire confidence, both within the agency and for the American people.”