On a brisk Friday, President-elect Donald Trump made waves by selecting Dr. Marty Makary, a pancreatic surgeon from Johns Hopkins University, for the role of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner. Dr. Makary, known for his contentious statements about COVID-19, is currently the head of Islet Transplant Surgery at Johns Hopkins, as the university’s website highlights. His resume is notable, including roles in leadership at the World Health Organization’s Patient Safety Program and membership with the National Academy of Medicine. Beyond academia, he’s also been an advisor to the conservative think tank Paragon Health Institute and frequently contributes to Fox News discussions.
Trump shared his thoughts on Truth Social, stating, “The FDA has lost Americans’ trust, veering off its regulatory path. Dr. Marty Makary, esteemed for his work in surgical oncology and health policy, is the person needed to reset the Agency.” Trump added that Makary would collaborate with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to investigate and evaluate harmful chemicals affecting the nation’s food and drugs, specifically addressing the issue of childhood chronic diseases.
The role of FDA commissioner requires a nod from the Senate, and if confirmed, Makary would oversee a wide range of responsibilities—from managing the regulation of drugs, food, and medical devices to handling products like tobacco and cosmetics.
Makary has raised eyebrows with his prior statements, particularly on COVID-19. He has criticized the federal government as a top source of misinformation during the pandemic. Advocating the effectiveness of natural immunity over vaccines, he had predicted the country would reach herd immunity by April 2021. He’s also asserted that myocarditis occurs more frequently after vaccination than infection—a claim debunked by various studies. In 2023, he penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, questioning President Biden’s recommendation for COVID boosters in younger, lower-risk patients—a stance that has since gained traction in medical circles.
Should his nomination go through, Makary would likely report to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who Trump has designated as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The decision has stirred controversy due to Kennedy’s contentious public health views, including his anti-vaccine rhetoric.
On a recent Fox News appearance, Makary stood by Kennedy, labeling him the least alarming figure in the current U.S. healthcare landscape and arguing that old comments from Kennedy shouldn’t be overanalyzed. As Makary put it, Kennedy “aims to tackle corruption within health care and federal health agencies,” a stance that makes some uncomfortable.
Yet not all share confidence in Makary’s suitability for the FDA role. Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine specialist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, voiced strong opposition, citing Makary’s COVID comments and backing of Kennedy. He questioned, “How can someone willing to mislead the public be trusted to lead the FDA?”
Currently, Dr. Robert Califf holds the FDA commissioner role, having served both in President Obama’s second term and presently. During Trump’s first term, the position saw Dr. Scott Gottlieb and Dr. Stephen Hahn taking turns at the helm.
