Senate Grills Trump’s FDA Pick Amid Agency Turmoil

President Donald Trump’s nominee for the leadership of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will appear before the Senate on Thursday to discuss his vision for the agency, which might soon become embroiled in the administration’s efforts to investigate vaccines, antidepressants, and highly processed foods.

Dr. Marty Makary, a surgeon, author, and researcher recognized for his unconventional viewpoints and vocal critique of the medical industry, shares similarities with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Both attribute numerous American health problems to food additives, the excessive prescription of medications, and the influence wielded by drug manufacturers, insurance companies, and the food industry.

To be confirmed as commissioner, Makary must secure a majority vote from the Senate’s health committee following the Thursday morning questioning. A full Senate vote on his confirmation is anticipated later in the month.

The FDA has been a long-standing focus for Kennedy, who previously vowed to overhaul various departments within the agency, including those related to nutrition. Recently, Kennedy advocated for the establishment of a “Make America Healthy Again” commission aimed at evaluating the safety of vaccines, antidepressants, stimulants, and weight-loss medications, especially those used by children, which are under the FDA’s regulatory purview.

While this approach has been favored by most Republicans, Senate Democrats may challenge Makary on his stance regarding key issues, specifically his views on the safety and advantages of vaccines for children.

Although FDA commissioners do not usually get involved in the agency’s routine scientific evaluations, they often function as intermediaries between the FDA staff and political appointees in other governmental areas.

Makary himself has been critical of the agency he is slated to lead. During his time as a Fox News contributor amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he labeled the FDA as “broken” and plagued by “politics and bureaucracy.”

Despite his critical views, Makary is seen as one of Trump’s more mainstream health nominees and is likely to be confirmed. Prior to the pandemic, he gained recognition for his significant research on medical errors, hospital expenses, and the overprescription of opioids.

Based just outside the capital, the FDA regulates medical products as well as billions of dollars in consumer items, including a vast array of foods, cosmetics, and vaping products.

Makary would assume control of the FDA during a particularly challenging period. Just last month, the agency abruptly dismissed hundreds of medical reviewers, researchers, and inspectors, rehiring some only a week later. Several senior officials at the FDA have also resigned or retired recently. Moreover, the agency anticipates further staff reductions due to buyouts, additional layoffs, and mandatory office returns.

Other pressing issues confronting the FDA include the following:

— Pressure from anti-abortion advocates to limit access to the abortion pill mifepristone

— The challenge of keeping pace with the surge of artificial intelligence-based medical technologies

— Legal disputes with compounding pharmacies and telehealth firms over generic versions of weight-loss drugs

In a recent submission of government ethics forms, Makary disclosed that he had severed financial connections with multiple businesses that his role at the FDA could potentially affect, including companies in the telehealth and pharmaceutical sectors offering compounded alternatives to drugs approved by the FDA.