FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns from Agency Amid Reports of Internal Friction

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated on May 18, 2026 at 2:45pm ET to include updates in leadership and additional industry commentary.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated on May 13, 2026 at 10:42am ET to include an AI disclosure.

Martin “Marty” Makary has resigned from his position as the 27th Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).¹ The departure, noted by President Donald Trump on May 12, 2026, concludes a tenure marked by a recalibration of the agency’s regulatory focus toward the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) platform and high-level internal friction regarding the political implications of recent policy shifts.^1,2

Makary’s exit follows reports that President Trump had signed off on his dismissal earlier in the week.¹ While Makary was a prominent figure within the MAHA movement, his provocative regulatory moves—specifically regarding vaccine trial protocols and drug approvals—reportedly generated substantial political fallout that administration officials found increasingly difficult to navigate.³

Until a replacement is confirmed, Kyle Diamantas will lead the agency as acting Commissioner.¹

As of May 15, 2026, Donald Prater, D.V.M., is the Acting Deputy Commissioner for Food, overseeing the Human Foods Program operations and food resources in the Office of Inspections and Investigations, explains his biography on the FDA website.⁴

What was Marty Makary’s Regulatory Legacy at the FDA?

Confirmed in March 2025, Makary brought a non-traditional background to the role as a surgical oncologist and professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.⁵ Beyond pharmaceuticals, Makary’s public health philosophy also focused on the microbiome, food, and multiple health topics.

His appointment was initially welcomed by segments of the dietary supplement industry. In a 2025 statement, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) expressed optimism that Makary’s leadership could “strengthen the role of dietary supplements in preventative healthcare and recalibrate FDA’s regulatory approach.”⁶ The organization also noted that, “A well-structured and well-resourced FDA is essential to ensuring the dietary supplement marketplace is science-based and that requirements that protect consumer safety are effectively enforced.” However, the current rate of senior official exits across the FDA and CDC has raised concerns regarding the loss of institutional memory.^2,3

Makary’s resignation is the second within a 15-month window, following the February 2025 resignation of Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones.⁶ Jones stepped down after the dismissal of 89 staff members, including specialists in infant formula safety and food ingredient review, citing a “disdain” for the professional staff necessary to implement the agency’s agenda.

What Should Nutraceutical Manufacturers Expect Next?

Whether the next nominee will sustain the MAHA-aligned policy of the previous year or revert to more conventional regulatory norms, will likely be closely monitored.² For finished product manufacturers, the immediate concern remains regulatory continuity. Industry groups recently petitioned the FDA to broaden its definition of “dietary supplement,” arguing the current interpretation of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) restricts innovation and reduces regulatory oversight unintentionally.⁷ Earlier this month, CRN had filed a petition with FDA to clarify how the DSHEA disclaimer should be displayed on dietary supplement labels, citing ambiguity and compliance challenges.⁸

What is the Industry’s Response?

Nutritional Outlook reached out to Steve Mister, President & CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), for more insight on how recent changes at the FDA affect the direction of the industry. “We've had a number of meetings with Kyle Diamantas since he became the Deputy Commissioner for Food, and those have been very candid,” Mister stated. “The industry has somebody at FDA now who has an appreciation for the supplement industry. He certainly asked good questions in the meetings, but he also reflects an understanding of the industry and how the industry does bring value to consumers through better health and nutrition. We're excited to see that he is moving into this acting commissioner role. It's a good sign for the industry that somebody who really does understand dietary supplements is in that role. Many times the commissioner is somebody who comes more from the drug side of the space, and so the food side of the industry, including supplements, takes a backseat.”

In response to the resignation, Graham Rigby, American Herbal Products Association, stated: “Guided by our commitment to science, safety, and transparency in the herbal product and dietary supplement industries, AHPA recognizes the critical role the FDA Commissioner plays in overseeing public health. While leadership transitions are a matter of administrative policy, AHPA is committed to maintaining a constructive dialogue with FDA to ensure that the interests of our members and the health of the consumers they serve are represented. AHPA has furthered strong relationships with a number of appointed and unappointed agency leaders under this administration, including Kyle Diamantas. We look forward to our continued collaboration with him and his team at FDA to advance a regulatory environment that supports both innovation and consumer safety.”⁹

Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) also shared commentary on the resignation.¹⁰ “CHPA appreciates Dr. Makary’s public service at the FDA during a consequential time for healthcare,” stated CHPA President and CEO Scott Melville. “Throughout his tenure, Commissioner Makary consistently recognized and publicly emphasized the important role self-care products play in expanding access, lowering costs, and helping Americans more easily manage their health.

“The unprecedented pace of leadership transition across the FDA this past year underscores the need for regulatory stability, predictability, and continuity,” Melville continued. “It’s essential to protect public health, maintain consumer confidence, and enable industry innovation. CHPA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Acting Commissioner Diamantas and the broader FDA leadership team to help translate access and affordability priorities into policies and actions that expand Americans’ ability to obtain safe, effective, and reliable self-care products.”

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. Reuters. Trump says US FDA Commissioner Makary is out. May 12, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/fda-commissioner-makary-is-resigning-politico-reports-2026-05-12/
2. Jacobus N. Trump planning to oust FDA chief Marty Makary. Pharmaceutical Technology. May 11, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.pharmtech.com/view/trump-planning-to-oust-fda-chief-marty-makary
3. Appezzato S. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns Following Industry Pressure. May 12, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.pharmtech.com/view/fda-commissioner-marty-makary-resigns-amid-agency-turmoil
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Donald Prater, D.V.M. May 15, 2026. Accessed May 18, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-organization/donald-prater
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Martin A. Makary M.D., M.P.H. Updated July 11, 2025. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-organization/martin-makary
6. Krawiec S. Deputy commissioner of FDA, Jim Jones, resigns from agency. Nutritional Outlook. February 19, 2025. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/deputy-commissioner-of-fda-jim-jones-resigns-from-agency
7. Saraceno N. Industry Groups Urge FDA to Broaden Definition of Dietary Supplement Ingredients. May 5. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/industry-groups-urge-fda-to-broaden-definition-of-dietary-supplement-ingredients
8. Saraceno N. CRN Petitions FDA to Clarify DSHEA Disclaimer Placement on Supplement Labels. May 6, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/crn-petitions-fda-dshea-disclaimer-placement-supplement-labels
9. Rigby G. Statement provided via email. May 12, 2026.
10. Melville S. Statement provided via email. May 12, 2026.