FDA Director Marty McCarry, who was in conflict with the Donald Trump administration over the approval of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, resigned.
The New York Times (NYT) and Politico reported on the 12th (local time) that FDA Commissioner Mackarry will resign, and FDA Food Regulatory Officer Kyle Diamantas will take over. Mackarry is a former Johns Hopkins surgeon known as a world-renowned hospital, who was appointed by President Trump in November 2024 and took office as FDA Commissioner in March 2025. Earlier, he first drew attention for his criticism of mandatory vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also opposed children's wearing of masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Foreign Ministry reported that McCarry resigned because he could not endure internal conflicts and external pressure. After McCarry's inauguration, experts left the office, conflicts over approval of new drugs, at odds with the White House, and criticized civic groups. Experts such as Richard Pazdur, who was famous for being a symbol of FDA approval for cancer treatment, resigned just one month after he was appointed director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). In addition, Vinay Prasad, a senior FDA official and a key confidant of Makari, also resigned and was evaluated as a mess for the FDA.
In the case of approval of a new drug, complaints that Director McCarry delayed approval of certain new drugs (such as skin cancer and Huntington's disease treatment) or imposed too strict standards led to complaints from the industry and the medical community. In addition, there were frequent differences between Health and Welfare Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director Maccary on policy decisions.
The decisive reason for the resignation is that Director McKeeley refused to approve fruit-flavored e-cigarette products, raising President Trump's anger. Director McCarry has opposed the approval on the grounds that candy or fruit-flavored e-cigarettes can lead young people to use addictive e-cigarettes. He has also reportedly told his aides that he cannot approve it in good conscience.
However, after meeting with Reynolds, the head of the U.S. tobacco company, President Trump personally asked McCarry to approve flavored liquid cigarettes early this month, and a few days later, two fruit-flavored e-cigarettes were approved for the first time in the U.S. Around this time, there were reports that President Trump approved McCarry's dismissal plan.
However, Politico cited a senior government official and explained that preparations for the replacement of Director McCarry had been made months ago and that the decision was made by Health Secretary Kennedy. President Trump told reporters as he left for China for the U.S.-China summit, "Marty was a wonderful friend, but now he has to go his own way," and added, "He is an outstanding doctor, but he was struggling a little."
Reporter Kim Hyun-woo (777hyunwoo@hankookilbo.com )
It is rather refreshing to see such differences of opinion even within the Trump administration.
After all, anyone in such a position should have at least a minimum level of policy conviction.
I hope that in our country, more cabinets will emerge with this degree of expertise and perspective.