Why did Marty Makary resign as FDA commissioner? Conflicting explanations for flavored e-cigarette decision

His departure on Tuesday follows weeks of growing pressure and tension within the agency, with officials reportedly expecting to be fired or forced out before Macari’s eventual ouster.

Makary believes flavored e-cigarettes pose a significant risk to young people because of their appeal and addictive nicotine content, people familiar with the matter said, according to The New York Times. He reportedly told close associates that he could not in good conscience support the decision and would not approve policies with which he fundamentally disagreed.

However, the White House went ahead with the authorization despite his objections. The decision reportedly became a point of conflict between Makari and senior government officials in his final weeks.

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His tenure has been marked by conflicts over drug approvals, vaccine policy and food regulation, putting him at odds with industry groups and political stakeholders on multiple fronts, The New York Times reported.

He has also been criticized by some public health experts for controversial policy decisions, including early information on COVID-19 vaccines and support for alternative treatments, which critics said lacked sufficient scientific support.

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president Donald Trump In an interview with reporters, he acknowledged Macari’s resignation and made brief comments about his departure. “Marty is a great man, but he’s going to go on and he’s going to have a great life,” Trump said, according to the New York Times. “He’s a great doctor, but he’s had some difficulties.”

Following his exit, FDA food regulator Kyle Diamantas was named acting commissioner as the agency prepares a permanent replacement.