Staff Reports
Dr. Marty Makary, the choice of President Trump to lead the Food and Drug Administration, is ready to face a Senate committee that may put him through the wringer over his views on vaccines, antidepressants, and ultraprocessed foods, among other hot-button issues. As a surgeon, author, and researcher, he isn’t shy about ruffling feathers in the medical community. His contrarian stance aligns with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as they both scrutinize the often murky relationship between health issues and the interests of food and drug companies.
The Senate health committee will be the backdrop for Makary’s interrogation, as he needs to secure majority support for his confirmation. A vote by the full Senate is anticipated later this month, making this moment a potential turning point in the future of the FDA. The stakes are high, especially for those who have grown weary of the FDA’s perceived inadequacies over the years. This agency has been a frequent target for critics such as Kennedy, who has dreamt of purging departments that oversee nutrition and public health.
Republicans, in general, have rallied behind Makary’s push for transparency and a thorough review of what’s being dispensed to the American public under the FDA’s watchful eye. In particular, Makary’s commitment to ensuring the safety of vaccines and drugs, especially for children, is causing some squirming among Senate Democrats. The questioning is expected to focus on how far he’s willing to diverge from Kennedy’s recommendations on vaccinations and other critical topics, revealing a significant partisan divide in what constitutes safe health policy.
While FDA commissioners might not dive deep into the agency’s daily operations, they do serve as the crucial interface between the agency’s scientific staff and the political sphere. Makary is no stranger to the inner workings of the FDA, having previously described it as “broken” and laden with political baggage. His time as a Fox News contributor saw him openly criticizing the agency, demanding reforms and advocating for a more accountable system. This backdrop only adds tension to his impending confirmation.
President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration is set to answer Senate questions Thursday about his plans for the agency, which may soon be at the center of an administration plan to scrutinize vaccines, antidepressants and… https://t.co/LLKEzewcls
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) March 6, 2025
Yet Makary’s scientific credentials may just secure his position amid a stormy outlook for the FDA. The agency has faced a workforce shakeup, with hundreds of medical reviewers and researchers recently let go—some even brought back days later. With more resignations anticipated and an ongoing barrage of other challenges, including the abortion pill debate and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare, the new commissioner will have a full plate. Not to mention, under scrutiny are the connections Makary has cut with potential conflicts of interest, underscoring his attempt to distance himself from any associations with companies that could impact his decisions at the FDA.
As he prepares for what is sure to be a spirited session before the Senate, one thing is for certain: the time for reforming health governance in America may be here, and Makary is poised at the forefront, whether skeptics like it or not.
