FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Tumultuous Tenure
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary resigned on Tuesday, ending a controversial 13-month tenure marked by internal disputes and pressure from the Trump administration. Kyle Diamantas, the FDA's top food regulator, will serve as acting commissioner.
Key Details
Dr. Marty Makary resigned as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Tuesday, ending a 13-month tenure marked by turmoil. Makary is leaving the Trump administration after President Donald Trump signed off on a plan to fire him last week.
Reasons for Departure
According to The Wall Street Journal, the move came only after Mr. Trump pressured Makary to approve the fruit-flavored vapes, which he had been refusing to do. One of the sources said Makary is leaving over the e-cigarette dispute, adding that Makary didn't want to approve the flavored varieties but had been forced to by other members of the administration.
Other Controversies
The vaping issue wasn't the only one that caused friction for Makary. Conservatives and anti-abortion groups also sought Makary's ouster after pressing the FDA to take action on the abortion drug mifepristone.
Leadership Transition
President Donald Trump announced that Kyle Diamantas, the agency's top food regulator, would be the acting FDA commissioner. Diamantas is a lawyer and does not have a medical degree.