Stock Markets May 8, 2026 01:24 PM

Trump Reportedly Poised to Remove FDA Commissioner Marty Makary

Plan described as provisional; HHS had no immediate comment as rumors of an exit intensified

By Marcus Reed

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to remove U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, though the course of action is not finalized and could change. Makary, a surgical oncologist at Johns Hopkins and a published author on healthcare costs and systemic issues in modern medicine, was confirmed as FDA commissioner in March 2025. He is also known as a prominent supporter of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. HHS, which oversees the FDA, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Speculation about Makary’s potential departure has grown over the past week.

Trump Reportedly Poised to Remove FDA Commissioner Marty Makary

Key Points

  • President Trump is reportedly planning to remove FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, but the plan is not final and could change - impacts government regulatory leadership.
  • Makary was confirmed as FDA commissioner in March 2025 and is a surgical oncologist at Johns Hopkins with bestselling books on healthcare costs and systemic issues - relevant to healthcare and policy observers.
  • Makary is a prominent advocate for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement; HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment - implications for federal health initiatives and regulated industries.

President Donald Trump is planning to dismiss U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, according to sources familiar with the matter, though the plan is not yet final and could still change.

Makary, who was confirmed as FDA commissioner in March 2025, is a surgical oncologist affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In addition to his clinical work, he has authored bestselling books that focus on healthcare costs and what he has described as the shortcomings of modern medicine.

He has been an active proponent of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement, playing a visible role in advocating for the initiative. The HHS, the federal department responsible for oversight of the FDA, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Over the past week, chatter about a possible departure by Makary has become more pronounced, drawing expanded attention and prompting wider speculation about the FDA leadership. Observers noted that the matter remains fluid given the report that the removal plan is not yet settled and may be altered.


Context and current status

The available information indicates that officials are weighing action to replace the FDA commissioner, but that no definitive decision has been announced. The description that the plan is not final underscores ongoing uncertainty about next steps.

Profile of the commissioner

  • Marty Makary was confirmed as FDA commissioner in March 2025.
  • He is a surgical oncologist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
  • Makary has written bestselling books about healthcare costs and perceived failures in modern medicine.
  • He has been a key advocate of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement.

Developments to watch

  • Whether the reported plan to remove the commissioner is carried out or altered.
  • Any official comment or confirmation from HHS regarding personnel changes at the FDA.
  • How continued speculation may influence stakeholders in healthcare and regulated industries.

Risks

  • The plan to remove the commissioner is described as not final and could change - uncertainty for FDA leadership and regulatory continuity affecting healthcare and pharmaceutical markets.
  • HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment, leaving pending official confirmation and creating continued speculation - risk of short-term volatility in sectors sensitive to regulatory leadership.
  • Intensifying rumors over the past week signal uncertainty around leadership stability at the FDA - potential impact on stakeholders dependent on predictable regulatory oversight, including biotech and medical device companies.

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