Trump’s FDA Commissioner Resigns After Clashing With Both Regulatory And Anti-Regulation Factions

Dr. Marty Makary, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under President Donald Trump, has resigned after a tumultuous 13-month tenure marked by clashes with both the White House and regulatory traditionalists, according to verified reporting. The resignation, announced on May 12, 2026, concludes a period in which Makary attempted to balance the aggressive “Make America Healthy Again” agenda led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. With the FDA’s long-standing regulatory framework. His efforts, however, failed to satisfy either faction, leaving him caught between conflicting priorities. In a statement, President Trump praised Makary as “a great guy” and “a friend of mine,” acknowledging that he “was having some difficulty” but would continue to thrive in his medical career. The president later posted on Truth Social, calling Makary “a hard worker, who was respected by all,” and announced that Kyle Diamantas, the deputy commissioner for food, would serve as acting FDA commissioner. The resignation follows weeks of internal friction. Makary’s tenure was marked by criticism from both the pro-regulation lobby and anti-abortion activists, who accused him of moving too slowly on policy changes aligned with Kennedy Jr.’s agenda. Meanwhile, traditionalists within the FDA and pharmaceutical industry expressed frustration over perceived deviations from standard regulatory practices. The transition to Diamantas, a nonscientist and a close associate of Donald Trump Jr., raises questions about the future direction of the FDA. Diamantas’s appointment as acting commissioner—without a scientific background—has drawn scrutiny, particularly from public health advocates who emphasize the need for expert leadership during periods of regulatory upheaval. The resignation also occurs amid broader political turbulence, including Trump’s upcoming medical checkup at the end of May and his preparations for a high-stakes diplomatic trip to China. The FDA’s leadership instability adds another layer of complexity to an administration already navigating multiple policy battles.