What to know about Kyle Diamantas, the new acting FDA commissioner | Trump administration

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-13 07:35:00 — www.theguardian.com

The new acting commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who Donald Trump described as a “very talented person,” is Kyle Diamantas, a former corporate lawyer with a controversial background. Diamantas, who previously defended Abbott Laboratories against claims that its infant formula harmed premature babies, has been appointed to lead the FDA following the resignation of his predecessor, Marty Makary. Makary’s tenure was marked by significant challenges, including clashes with lawmakers and accusations of slow-walking drug regulation decisions.

Diamantas, who served as the FDA’s deputy commissioner for food, will not be taking the role permanently, as the search for a new commissioner is already underway. His appointment comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the FDA’s policies, particularly regarding nutrition and food safety. Within the agency, he is viewed as a non-controversial choice, having maintained senior leadership in key areas.

Diamantas’s legal career includes a notable case where Abbott lost a lawsuit related to its infant formula, resulting in a $495 million payout. He is also known to have connections with Donald Trump Jr., further intertwining his professional life with the Trump family. His recent work has focused on updating dietary guidelines and addressing issues related to ultra-processed foods, emphasizing consumer choice rather than bans.

How this sits against verifiable accuracy
Trump’s characterization of Diamantas as a “very talented person” aligns with his history of appointing individuals with strong ties to his administration and personal connections. The excerpt does not present any claims that are contradicted or corrected within the text, maintaining a consistent narrative regarding Diamantas’s qualifications and the context of his appointment.

What the excerpt shows about verifiable lies
No verifiable lies are presented in the excerpt.

Targets and tone
The excerpt does not show Trump singling out, insulting, demeaning, threatening, or speaking in a hostile way about specific people or groups.

In summary, Kyle Diamantas’s appointment as acting FDA commissioner reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing influence in the agency, particularly in the context of food safety and nutrition policy. His background raises questions about the intersection of corporate interests and public health, a theme that continues to resonate in discussions about the FDA’s role.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/13/kyle-diamantas-new-acting-fda-commissioner