President Donald Trump named Kyle Diamantas as acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday, May 12, after Dr. Marty Makary resigned from the top job.
Makary, who had led the agency for a little more than a year, stepped down amid reported tensions inside the administration. Trump announced the change in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“I want to thank Dr. Marty Makary for having done a great job at the FDA. So much was accomplished under his leadership,” Trump wrote. “He was a hard worker who was respected by all, and will go on to have an outstanding career in Medicine.”
Kyle Diamantas Steps in Immediately
Trump added that Diamantas, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for food, would step into the acting role immediately.
Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon who drew attention for criticizing some COVID-19 policies, was confirmed as FDA commissioner in early 2025.
He came into the position promising faster drug approvals, less bureaucracy, and a stronger focus on food safety and nutrition as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” push.
During his time in office, the agency enacted measures to expedite reviews of certain medicines and launched efforts to limit the use of synthetic food dyes.
Makary also spoke about using artificial intelligence to simplify approvals and make the system more responsive to rare diseases.
But the tenure remained turbulent as the FDA saw heavy staff turnover, with many longtime officials leaving. Management changes and reported disagreements created a difficult working environment.
Makary Clashes With White House
Makary and the White House clashed on several issues, including how to handle flavored vaping products and the review of certain drugs.
Sources said those differences, especially around vaping approvals, turned sharper in recent months.
Trump also told reporters Makary was a “terrific guy” and a “great doctor,” but had experienced obstacles in the role. He did not give more details about the reasons for the departure.
Diamantas has led the FDA’s Human Foods Program, which oversees nutrition policy and food safety for much of the nation’s food supply.
Before joining the agency, he worked as a lawyer representing food companies. He has connections to the Trump family and has backed efforts to remove certain additives from the food supply.
The acting commissioner will now manage day-to-day operations while the White House searches for a permanent replacement.
Also Read: Trump Advises Keir Starmer on What to Do Amid Resignation Pressure From Labour MPs
The FDA is responsible for approving drugs, medical devices, and vaccines, and overseeing food safety, decisions that affect millions of Americans daily.
Industry groups reacted cautiously to the news, with some saying new leadership could bring more stability after months of upheaval.
Many worry that repeated changes at the top make it harder for companies to plan long-term research and investments.
Public health experts expressed concern about staff morale and the pace of decisions in recent months.
Makary defended his record in recent public appearances, saying the agency had made real progress on cutting delays and improving transparency.
He returns to medicine with experience leading one of the country’s most powerful health agencies.
Also Read: Trump’s ‘Treason’ Note Exposed as He Orders Crackdown on Iran War Leaks
The change comes as the FDA faces important ongoing work, including reviews of new treatments and updates to food regulations.
It is expected that the White House will move quickly to name a permanent commissioner who can work smoothly with both career staff and Congress.
Delicate FDA Commissioner Position
The FDA commissioner position has long required a fine balance between science, public health, and politics. Makary arrived with strong credentials and a public profile.
He leaves after delivering some changes and navigating storms that proved too much.
His exit clearly shows how difficult that balance can be in the current environment.
President Trump wished Makary success in his future work.
