Dr. Marty Makary has resigned as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The White House confirmed his exit after 13 months on the job, making him the fourth high-profile departure from the Trump administration this year.
Makary's tenure was marked by significant turmoil and mounting complaints from health industry executives, vaping lobbyists, anti-abortion activists, and other allies of President Trump. Senior administration officials concluded that the commissioner was out of step with the president's priorities, as Makary frequently battled officials in the White House and the health department on various policy issues.
Internally, the FDA experienced dysfunction characterized by leadership turmoil, mass layoffs, and backlash from drugmakers and physicians regarding regulatory decisions. There were further concerns that the agency's scientific principles were being overridden by political interests, leaving Makary unable to win the confidence of his staff.
Despite these challenges, Makary served longer than some previous heads of the agency, including one who announced their retirement after only three weeks on the job.