FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns Amid E-Cigarette Policy Clash

WASHINGTON — Marty Makary resigned as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday, according to two sources familiar with the matter. He stepped aside amid reports that his tenure was ending over internal policy disagreements.

His departure came after conflicts over the FDA's agenda. On May 6, the FDA approved flavored e-cigarettes from vaping company Glas Inc. and highlighted safety restrictions to limit youth use. The Wall Street Journal reported that the decision followed pressure from President Trump after Makary refused to approve the fruit-flavored products.

One source said Makary left over the e-cigarette dispute. Makary did not want to approve the flavored varieties but was forced to by other administration members.

CBS News and other outlets reported in recent days that President Trump had approved a plan to fire him. Makary did not appear Monday in the Oval Office with the president and other top public health officials at an event on maternal health.

Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn Tuesday afternoon, President Trump declined to discuss the circumstances of Makary's departure. He called Makary a "great guy" and a "friend of mine."

"Marty's a terrific guy, but he's going to go on and he's going to lead a good life," Trump said. "He was having some difficulty. You know, he's a great doctor. And he was having some difficulty. But he's going to go on and he's going to do well."

Makary's resignation marks the latest shakeup at the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA. Vaccines chief Vinay Prasad, an ally of Makary, recently departed for a second time.

Makary was set to testify on Capitol Hill Wednesday. Kyle Diamantés, expected to become acting commissioner, will testify in his place, one source said.

The FDA commissioner oversees regulation of drugs, vaccines and tobacco products. The agency regulates one-fifth of U.S. consumer spending, giving it major influence in public health.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, FDA commissioner for two years in Trump's first term, said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" Sunday that the job is very difficult. He said upheaval at the FDA since last year has hurt the agency.

"There's been a lot of departures from the agency. You've seen political appointees take over what are typically career leadership positions, running the medical product centers, the drug center and the biologics center," Gottlieb said. "So, I think cumulatively, that's taken a toll on the agency, and this continued speculation that we saw on Friday, I think is just going to be another step downward."

British-American surgeon Makary was confirmed to lead the FDA in March 2025. He supported the Make America Healthy Again movement and criticized the federal COVID-19 response.

The vaping issue was not the only friction point. Conservatives and anti-abortion groups called for Makary's ouster after urging FDA action on abortion drug mifepristone.

In 2021, the Biden administration allowed women to get the pills via telehealth and mail. Most women who end pregnancies use medication abortions.

Last June, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked Makary to review mifepristone for real-world safety and efficacy data.

Reports in December said he delayed the study. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and other conservatives then demanded his firing.

The group called for an immediate study and accused Makary of severely undermining Trump and Vance. "Makary must go," SBA Pro-Life America said.