13. May 2026

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary Resigns After Clashing With White House Over Flavored Vapes

Washington, D.C. — May 13, 2026

In a major shakeup at the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Marty Makary has stepped down as Commissioner after just 13 months on the job.

The gastrointestinal surgeon and Trump appointee resigned Tuesday following intense pressure from the administration. Sources close to the matter say the final straw was Makary’s refusal to approve fruit-flavored e-cigarettes — a policy the White House strongly supported. Makary reportedly told colleagues he “could not in good conscience” sign off on products he believed would appeal heavily to young people.

Additional friction came from anti-abortion groups pushing for stricter limits on the abortion pill mifepristone, which Makary was reportedly reluctant to impose. He chose to resign rather than defend the administration’s position during scheduled congressional testimony this week.

President Trump confirmed the departure and immediately named Kyle Diamantas, the FDA’s top food regulator, as acting Commissioner. Diamantas, a lawyer, steps into the role amid ongoing turmoil at the agency, including mass layoffs and high-level staff turnover.

This marks the latest high-profile exit from Trump’s health team and highlights the administration’s aggressive push to reshape federal health policy.

More details developing. Stay tuned.