Trump reportedly plans to remove FDA Commissioner Marty Makary from his post.

President Donald Trump has reportedly authorized a plan to remove FDA Commissioner Marty Makary from his post, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Wall Street Journal. While the decision appears to be made, the move remains unofficial and subject to finalization.

Makary, a surgical oncologist affiliated with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, was nominated by Trump in November 2024 and confirmed in March 2025. If the firing proceeds, he would join a growing list of top health officials ousted by the administration, following the departures of CDC Director Susan Monarez last summer and HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill in February.

As commissioner, Makary oversees the critical regulatory functions of the FDA, including the approval of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines, medical devices, food, cosmetics, and tobacco products. White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the administration's direction, stating that Trump has assembled the "most experienced and talented administration in history" focused on delivering historic victories for the American people. The Daily Mail sought comment from the FDA but received no response.

Tensions between the commissioner and the president have reportedly escalated in recent weeks over specific health initiatives. A primary point of contention involves flavored vaping products; Makary initially refused to authorize blueberry and mango flavors in February, citing concerns that sweet varieties might encourage youth usage. Following direct pressure from the president, Makary eventually reversed his stance and authorized the flavors.

The commissioner has also faced challenges related to leadership turnover and widespread layoffs attributed to Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Industry leaders within the pharmaceutical sector have reportedly voiced complaints regarding Makary's leadership. Makary is a prominent figure in the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, having publicly joined Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in September 2024 for a Senate panel on nutrition. Although he maintains alliances with Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, sources indicate that Makary is becoming increasingly isolated at the FDA as he clashes with top leadership and relies on a smaller circle of advisers.