FDA Commissioner Marty Makary ousted amid clashes over vaping and abortion pills

Dr. Marty Makary, the current commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is set to be removed from his position by President Donald Trump. The decision follows ongoing disputes over key regulatory issues, including vaping rules, abortion pill oversight, and drug approvals. Makary, a former cancer surgeon and health policy researcher, had become a prominent figure in media discussions about food safety and medical innovation.

Makary’s tenure at the FDA was marked by repeated clashes with powerful interest groups. Tobacco sellers, anti-abortion organisations, and biotech firms all voiced dissatisfaction with his leadership. In particular, abortion opponents, such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, demanded his dismissal over the FDA’s handling of mifepristone, the abortion pill. Makary defended the agency’s stance, arguing that career scientists had determined certain medications were ineffective.

The White House also pressured Makary to ease restrictions on flavoured e-cigarettes. Despite initial resistance, the FDA approved blueberry and mango-flavoured vaping products in March. Meanwhile, biotech companies and investors criticised the agency for rejecting treatments for rare diseases, claiming the decisions stifled innovation. Before joining the FDA, Makary worked as a cancer surgeon and researcher at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. As commissioner, he sought to balance the pro-business policies of Trump’s 'Make America Great Again' agenda while encouraging more drug trials in the U.S. However, his efforts failed to resolve long-standing tensions with industry groups and political advocates.

Makary’s removal highlights deep divisions over FDA policies on vaping, abortion medication, and drug approvals. His departure leaves the agency facing continued scrutiny from both industry leaders and advocacy groups. The decision also signals a shift in how the administration will approach regulatory oversight in the future.