FDA Commissioner Makary Resigns Following Anti-Abortion Group Pressure
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stepped down Tuesday under pressure from anti-abortion groups, marking the fourth high-level Trump administration departure this year.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary resigned Tuesday, becoming the fourth senior Trump administration official to leave their position in recent months amid pressure from anti-abortion advocacy groups.
President Donald Trump announced Makary’s departure on social media, praising the outgoing commissioner’s work. “I want to thank Dr. Marty Makary for having done a great job at the FDA. So much was accomplished under his leadership,” Trump wrote. “He was a hard worker, who was respected by all, and will go on to have an outstanding career in Medicine.”
Kyle Diamantas, who previously served as deputy commissioner for food overseeing nutrition and food safety programs, will step in as acting commissioner. “Kyle Diamantas, a very talented person, will be put in the Acting position,” Trump stated.
Administrative Turnover Continues
Makary’s resignation continues a pattern of high-level departures from the Trump administration this year. Since March, three other cabinet-level officials have left their positions under various circumstances.
Kristi Noem was ousted as Homeland Security secretary in early March and moved to a different role as a special envoy. Pam Bondi resigned as attorney general in early April to return to the private sector. Lori Chavez-DeRemer stepped down as Labor secretary in late April following scandals.
Health Department Response
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed support for both Makary’s tenure and the transition to new leadership. “Makary pushed forward critical reforms and helped advance our mission to Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy wrote on social media.
Kennedy emphasized continuity in the agency’s operations during the leadership change. “I also want to thank Kyle Diamantas for stepping in as Acting Commissioner. His leadership has already delivered remarkable wins on the MAHA food agenda, and I have full confidence in his continued work,” he added.
The search for a permanent replacement has already begun, according to Kennedy. “We have an outstanding team at FDA, and the work continues without pause. The search for a new Commissioner is already underway, and we will move forward with urgency,” he stated.
The Senate previously confirmed Makary to the FDA position, though the specific confirmation date was not immediately available. His departure comes at a time when the FDA faces ongoing scrutiny over various policy decisions affecting public health and reproductive rights.
