Trending Now - Trump Mulls Dismissal of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary

WHO:

Yahoo - FDA Commissioner Marty Makary was informed by the White House that his time was up.

NBC News - President Trump is considering firing Dr. Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner.

Ars Technica - President Trump is involved in the decision regarding Dr. Marty Makary's position.

WHAT:

Yahoo - The White House authorized the plan to remove Makary after a series of controversies and high-level departures within the FDA.

Yahoo - Candidates under consideration to replace Makary include Kyle Diamantas, Grace Graham, and Lowell Zeta, with Diamantas considered the frontrunner.

Yahoo - The Trump administration may also look to past FDA leaders for interim positions, including former FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, former Acting FDA Commissioner Brett Giroir, or Sara Brenner.

Yahoo - During Makary’s tenure, the FDA faced high-level departures and significant political fights, leading to a decline in staff morale.

Yahoo - The decision to remove Makary was described as the culmination of a campaign to topple him, originating with senior leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Yahoo - Candidates under consideration to replace Makary include Kyle Diamantas, Grace Graham, and Lowell Zeta.

Yahoo - The permanent replacement for Makary will need to be confirmed by the Senate and win over the health committee chaired by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

NBC News - President Trump is contemplating the dismissal of Dr. Marty Makary due to frustration with his performance.

Ars Technica - The plan to fire Dr. Marty Makary is not final and could change.

WHY:

Yahoo - Makary alienated key constituencies within and outside the administration, including anti-abortion Republicans and some rare-disease drugmakers.

Yahoo - Makary alienated various groups, including anti-abortion activists and some drug manufacturers, during his tenure as FDA commissioner.

NBC News - The consideration to fire Dr. Marty Makary stems from President Trump's simmering frustration with his performance as FDA chief.

HOW:

Yahoo - The decision to remove Makary was described as the culmination of a campaign to topple him, originating with senior leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Yahoo - The White House authorized the plan to remove Makary after a series of controversies and high-level departures within the FDA.

(UPDATED May 9, 2026 05:49 UTC)

The White House has authorized the removal of FDA Commissioner Makary following a series of controversies and high-level departures that have impacted the agency's morale. Candidates being considered for his replacement include Kyle Diamantas, Grace Graham, and Lowell Zeta, with Diamantas emerging as the frontrunner, while the Trump administration may also look to past FDA leaders for interim roles. The decision to oust Makary is seen as the result of a campaign led by senior leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services, who felt he had alienated key constituencies both within the administration and among stakeholders.

(UPDATED May 9, 2026 04:08 UTC)

The White House has informed FDA Commissioner Marty Makary that his time in office has come to an end, following a campaign to remove him led by senior leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services. Candidates being considered to take over include Kyle Diamantas, Grace Graham, and Lowell Zeta, but the new commissioner will need Senate confirmation and support from the health committee chaired by Senator Bill Cassidy. Makary's tenure has been marked by controversies and alienation of various groups, including anti-abortion activists and some drug manufacturers, which contributed to the decision for his removal.

(UPDATED May 9, 2026 01:29 UTC)

President Trump is contemplating the dismissal of Dr. Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner, due to ongoing frustration with his performance. While the decision is still under consideration and not yet final, it highlights the tensions surrounding leadership within the agency. This potential change reflects President Trump's desire for a different direction in the FDA's management.