Quick Answer
Dr. Marty Makary resigned from his position as Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
His departure reportedly centered on a fierce internal dispute over the FDA's recent authorization of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes from Glas Inc. The resignation caps a turbulent 13-month tenure marked by frequent clashes between Makary, career FDA scientists, and the White House.
The short answer
Dr. Marty Makary resigned from his position as Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. His departure reportedly centered on a fierce internal dispute over the FDA's recent authorization of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes from Glas Inc.
The resignation caps a turbulent 13-month tenure marked by frequent clashes between Makary, career FDA scientists, and the White House. Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas has been appointed to lead the agency while a permanent successor is selected.
What was the vaping dispute?
Last week, the FDA officially authorized the sale of specific fruit-flavored e-cigarette products from the vaping company Glas Inc. The agency claimed the authorization came bundled with strict safety restrictions designed to prevent youth access.
However, behind the scenes, the situation was reportedly far more contentious. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and CBS News, Makary vehemently opposed the approval of fruit-flavored vapes. Sources indicate that he was ultimately overruled and pressured by the administration to greenlight the products.
When asked about the growing tension last week, President Trump publicly scolded the FDA chief for his initial hesitation, signaling that Makary's position was becoming increasingly untenable. The resignation followed shortly after.
What else defined Makary's tenure?
Makary's time as FDA chief was controversial from the start. He frequently made headlines for overriding the recommendations of career FDA scientists on a range of issues beyond vaping.
His tenure drew heavy criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Conservative lawmakers accused him of slow-walking the review of abortion medications, while public health advocates criticized his alleged interference in the publication of safety research regarding Covid and shingles vaccines. The friction created an unusual situation where neither major political faction was fully satisfied with his leadership.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, President Trump did not elaborate on the specific reasons for the resignation, simply stating that Makary was a terrific guy who was having some difficulty and would go on to do well elsewhere.
Who is the new acting FDA Commissioner?
With the agency requiring immediate leadership, the administration has tapped Kyle Diamantas to serve as the Acting FDA Commissioner. Prior to this sudden promotion, Diamantas served as the FDA's Deputy Commissioner for Food, where he was the top official responsible for setting the strategic direction of US food policy and safety operations.
Diamantas is expected to testify on Capitol Hill this Wednesday in place of Makary, where he will likely face intense questioning regarding the agency's stability and the recent vaping approvals. His background is primarily in food safety rather than drug or medical device regulation, which could shape how the agency operates during his interim leadership.
What happens next at the FDA?
The resignation leaves the FDA in a precarious position. The agency is currently navigating multiple high-stakes regulatory decisions, including ongoing reviews of new pharmaceutical applications, updated vaccine guidance, and the broader debate over vaping regulation that directly triggered Makary's departure.
The administration has not yet indicated whether Diamantas will be nominated as the permanent Commissioner or if an external candidate will be brought in. Given the political sensitivity of the FDA role, the selection process could take several weeks or even months.
The takeaway
Marty Makary's resignation highlights the intense political pressure surrounding FDA decisions, particularly on products like flavored e-cigarettes that sit at the intersection of public health, youth protection, and industry regulation. With Kyle Diamantas now at the helm, the agency faces the challenge of restoring internal stability while continuing to make decisions that affect millions of Americans.
The Stated Reasons
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary cited a combination of personal priorities and policy disagreements in his resignation statement. The departure follows months of reported tension between the agency and the wider Department of Health and Human Services over regulatory direction.
Key Flashpoints During His Tenure
- Disputes over how aggressively to regulate ultra processed foods.
- Pressure to accelerate review timelines for novel cell and gene therapies.
- Internal debate about updating vaccine advisory processes.
What Comes Next at the FDA
An acting commissioner has been named while the administration searches for a permanent successor. Senate confirmation will likely be contested, particularly given recent polarization over public health appointments.
Industry Reaction
Pharmaceutical, food, and medical device industries are reading the resignation through their own lenses. Drug makers worry about further delays to reviews already running behind schedule. Food industry groups expect a possible reset in regulatory tone depending on the successor.
How This Affects Patients
- Pending drug applications may face brief slowdowns during the transition.
- Recall and safety processes continue under existing career staff.
- Long term regulatory direction remains uncertain until a permanent commissioner is confirmed.
The Broader Public Health Context
The departure comes amid wider questions about the structure of federal health agencies and how scientific independence is balanced against political accountability. Whoever succeeds Makary will inherit those questions along with a full inbox of pending decisions.
What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
Look for nomination signals from the White House, public statements from senior FDA career officials, and any rule making delays that point to internal recalibration. The next 90 days will set the tone for FDA policy through the remainder of 2026.
