FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns Amid E Cig and Abortion Pill Tensions
Marty Makary, the high profile surgeon appointed by President Trump to reform the Food and Drug Administration, has resigned amid tensions over electronic cigarette regulations and pro life criticism of delays in the abortion pill safety review. The resignation was announced on 16 May...
Trump Administration Loses High Profile Surgeon Reformer After Pro Life Groups Demand Faster Mifepristone Safety Review and Vape Lobby Pushes Back
Marty Makary, the high profile surgeon appointed by President Trump to reform the Food and Drug Administration, has resigned amid tensions over electronic cigarette regulations and pro life criticism of delays in the abortion pill safety review. The resignation was announced on 16 May 2026.
"During my tenure, I announced 50 major FDA reforms. Joe Biden's FDA had none," Makary said in his exit statement.
Why Marty Makary Resigned From FDA After Pro Life and E Cig Tensions
President Trump called Makary a "terrific guy" and "great doctor" but acknowledged he was "having some difficulty" in the role. Makary's reform record was substantial. He reduced drug review times from one year to one or two months. He advanced new psychedelic medicine guidance. He introduced a "plausible mechanism" pathway for rare disease drugs. He changed estrogen labels regarding hormone replacement therapy.
The pro life community had grown frustrated with Makary's reluctance to expedite the FDA's review of mifepristone, the chemical abortion drug now responsible for the majority of US abortions. The e cigarette industry pushed back against tightening regulations. Makary, caught between two powerful constituencies, opted out. A new commissioner will be nominated.
The Crusader's Opinion
Marty Makary did real reform work at the FDA in just over a year. Fifty changes. Faster drug reviews. New psychedelic guidance. But pro life Christians had every right to expect faster movement on chemical abortion. The 5th Circuit just ruled the Biden FDA's mail order abortion policy was "arbitrary and capricious." The FDA needed a commissioner willing to move at speed. Makary moved at his pace. Trump must now appoint someone who will move at the pace pro life Americans demanded when they voted in 2024.
Take Action
- Contact: The White House urging a pro life FDA Commissioner appointment
- Support: Alliance Defending Freedom continuing the Louisiana mifepristone case
- Pray: For Marty Makary's next chapter and for FDA leadership transition
- Read: The 5th Circuit ruling on mifepristone mail order policy
- Share: The "50 reforms vs none" Makary quote
