President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that FDA Commissioner Marty Makary was "having some difficulty" and would be leaving his role [1], [2].
The transition occurs at the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency responsible for public health and food safety. A change in leadership at the FDA can signal shifts in regulatory priorities or internal friction within the administration.
Trump made the comments during a White House press briefing on May 12, 2026 [1], [2]. The briefing took place shortly before the president's scheduled departure for Beijing [1].
Responding to a reporter's question regarding whether he had fired Makary or asked for his resignation, Trump said, "He was having some difficulty" [1], [2]. He said Makary was a "great guy" but noted that the commissioner would be off [1].
Trump confirmed that the deputy commissioner will take over the agency's leadership in a temporary capacity [1]. "The deputy is taking over temporarily…Everybody wants that job," Trump said [1].
While Trump's comments implied a departure due to difficulty, other reports suggest the resignation followed clashes between the commissioner and the president [3]. The administration has not provided further details on the specific nature of the difficulties Makary faced during his tenure.
“"He was having some difficulty."”
The sudden departure of a top health official just before a major diplomatic trip to China suggests a period of instability or policy disagreement within the FDA. By appointing a deputy to serve temporarily rather than naming a permanent successor immediately, the administration maintains flexibility while managing the vacuum in leadership at a critical regulatory agency.
