Trump nominates Marty Makary, who opposed COVID ...
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a critic of COVID-19 health measures to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
www.cbsnews.comHere’s the latest on Marty Makary based on public reporting up to May 2026.
-
FDA leadership tenure: Makary was nominated by President Trump and confirmed as FDA commissioner in early 2025, after a Senate process that examined his pandemic-era positions and regulatory philosophy. He aimed to modernize regulatory processes and introduce AI-assisted review tools at the agency.[1][2][3]
-
Public positions during the pandemic: Makary rose to prominence as a critic of certain COVID-19 public health measures and as a vocal proponent of faster access to medical treatments. He drew attention for challenging some prevailing public-health strategies and for speaking frequently on media platforms about the pandemic response.[3][5][1]
-
Post-confirmation scrutiny and shifts: During confirmation hearings and after taking the role, he faced questions about his views on the abortion drug mifepristone and other pandemic-era policies. While some colleagues acknowledged his surgical expertise and health-policy background, there was ongoing examination of how his past positions would influence FDA decisions and regulatory practices.[4][3]
-
Departure from FDA: Reports in May 2026 indicated he resigned amid internal and political pressures, with coverage noting ongoing speculation about the Trump administration’s plans for the agency. The resignation would mark a significant turn after his confirmed tenure.[2]
Key takeaways:
- Makary’s FDA tenure centered on regulatory modernization and AI-assisted reviews, aligning with his stated goal of speeding access to medical innovations while maintaining safety.[2][3]
- His pandemic-era commentary shaped public perception of him as both a reform-minded clinician and a controversial figure among public-health officials.[5][1][3]
- His resignation in May 2026 suggests a high-politics environment around FDA leadership and ongoing questions about the administration’s FDA agenda.[2]
Illustration: If you’d like, I can summarize the timeline with a short chart or pull direct quotes from key statements to illustrate how his public positions matched or diverged from FDA policy debates.
Citations:
- Makary FDA nomination and confirmation details[1][3][2]
- Public pandemic-era stance and media coverage[3][5]
- Resignation and related coverage[2]