This story appeared in The Logoffa daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news rule your life. Register here.
Welcome to The Logoff: Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary has resigned.
What happened? Makary, who led the federal agency that oversees the regulation of drugs, medical devices, food safety, cosmetics and more, resigned under pressure on Tuesday, after information emerged last week that President Donald Trump has approved the plan to fire him.
His dismissal is the latest blow to the country’s public health infrastructure, which has been in turmoil under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
What is the context? Makary’s departure leaves HHS without a confirmed CDC director, FDA commissioner, or surgeon general.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez was forced out in August after clashing with Kennedy over vaccines, and HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, who took over as acting CDC director after Monarez left, he left in February. Trump has yet to have a confirmed surgeon general nominee, and earlier this month he made his own the third selection for the role.
Why was Makary forced out? A proximate – but not the only – reason was his apparent opposition to approving the sale of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, something Trump has emphasized. (The vials were approved last week, and the FDA also issued them additional relevant guidance on Friday.)
Trump, who promised to “save Vaping” in 2024, has shown interest in the issue as a way to court young voters; The change is a gift to tobacco companies. However, public health officials warn that flavors such as mango and blueberry may increase the appeal of vapes to teenagers and young children.
Makary was also unpopular with conservative Republicans for his stance on the abortion drug mifepristone, an issue Trump has put on hold. he tried to avoid. On Tuesday, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) called him “uniquely damaging to the pro-life movement,” while Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said in a post that Makary was “part of a broader symptom of an administration that is not focused on pro-life issues.”
And so, it’s time to leave…
For the sake of the latest version of his critical advice column, my colleague Sigal Samuel wrote about what to do if the news is making you feel bad lately. It’s a moving reminder of the value of “Renaissance humanism, a tradition that emphasized how beautiful and wonderful humans can be.” You can read Sigal’s piece here is the giveaway link.
Thanks for reading, have a good evening, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow!
