FDA chief resigns after Trump admin forced approval of fruity e-cigs

Marty Makary has stepped down from his position as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), just days after reports emerged that the White House was considering his dismissal. Donald Trump confirmed the resignation via social media, sharing what seemed to be a text message from Makary that stated, “Dr. President Trump[sic], Please accept my resignation, effective today.” In his post, Trump praised Makary for his contributions at the FDA, calling him a diligent worker respected by peers, and expressed confidence that he would continue to excel in his medical career. However, this positive appraisal contrasts sharply with the circumstances surrounding his departure. Insiders had indicated plans for Makary's ousting were circulating within the administration, citing various disagreements between him and the White House. Sources close to Makary revealed that his resignation was influenced by Trump's insistence on approving fruit-flavored e-cigarettes. The former Johns Hopkins University cancer surgeon had been hesitant to endorse these products, fearing they could attract young users and lead to increased addiction rates—a concern shared by numerous public health advocates. This conflict highlighted a significant clash between public health priorities and the administration's commitment to the vaping industry, which had been a focal point of Trump's campaign promises.