Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP / Getty Images
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (May 12) that Kyle Diamantas will serve as the acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following the resignation of Dr. Marty Makary. Trump shared the news on Truth Social, highlighting Makary's contributions during his tenure. The announcement did not specify whether Makary resigned voluntarily or was asked to step down, but Trump praised him for his service.
Makary's resignation comes after a challenging period marked by criticism from various groups, including health industry executives and anti-abortion activists. According to AP News, Makary struggled to manage the FDA's bureaucracy and faced internal conflicts. His tenure saw mass layoffs and leadership upheavals, which led to low morale within the agency.
Diamantas, who previously served as the Deputy Commissioner for Food, is expected to take over immediately. He is an attorney with personal ties to Donald Trump Jr. As reported by Statesman, Diamantas's appointment comes amid ongoing debates about FDA reforms, including faster drug review times.
Makary's departure raises questions about the future of several initiatives he introduced, many of which have not yet gone through federal rulemaking. The White House will need to nominate a permanent replacement for the FDA commissioner, who must be confirmed by the Senate.