Trump says he wants to fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary

President Trump has signed off on plans to fire Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, though sources warn the plan is not final and could change, according to multiple media reports.

The stories of axing that have been prepared come from those who spoke to them The Wall Street Journalwhich was confirmed by a report from Bloomberg, The Washington Postand Politics. The Post also reported that management has not yet decided who will become executive director upon Makary’s departure.

The planned exit comes after a difficult year for Makary, with the FDA mired in chaos and controversy over DOGE cuts, a folk dramavaccine approval, genetic therapy options, abortion pill monitoring, and vape laws.

Earlier this week, the Journal reported that Trump had criticized Makary weekend for not moving fast enough to accept flavored vapes and nicotine products. Trump’s advisers have said Makary is a problem for the administration and said he is reneging on the president’s promise to “save the air”.

In particular, Makary reportedly avoided endorsing menthol, mango, and blueberry flavors from Los Angeles-based manufacturer Glas out of fear that the flavors might entice young people to take up smoking. After being pressured by Trump, The FDA approved the vapes on Tuesday.

Administration officials have seen Makary struggle to manage the FDA as he clashes with other health officials, according to the Journal. They also saw complaints from pharmaceutical companies about him.

If Makary is fired, it would add to the growing list of jobs at the ailing health care agencies overseen by anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Top officials at the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health have left amid the Trump administration. The CDC has no director, and no surgeon general.