Trump approves plan to fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, sources say
Politics – CBSNews.com — 2026-05-11 12:20:00 — www.cbsnews.com
Washington — President Trump has approved a plan to fire Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, according to two sources. The president dodged questions about Makary’s potential ouster on Friday, leaving the timing of his termination uncertain. Notably, Makary has not yet been informed of his firing, and a senior Health and Human Services official indicated that he retains significant support within the department. His absence from a recent Oval Office event, where Trump highlighted maternal health initiatives, raises questions about his standing. Despite the turmoil, Makary is still expected to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.
The Wall Street Journal first reported that Trump had signed off on the plan to dismiss Makary, amid ongoing tensions regarding the FDA’s agenda. A significant point of contention appears to be the approval of flavored e-cigarettes, which the FDA sanctioned on May 6. Reports suggest that Trump pressured Makary to approve these products, which he had previously resisted, indicating a clash between the administration’s priorities and public health considerations.
How this sits against verifiable accuracy
The excerpt outlines a significant administrative shake-up within the FDA, with Trump reportedly approving the firing of Commissioner Makary. This claim hinges on sources that suggest internal conflict over the FDA’s direction, particularly regarding vaping regulations. To substantiate such claims, one would typically expect corroborating evidence, such as official communications or public statements from involved parties. However, the excerpt does not provide any direct verification of Trump’s intentions or the reasons behind the potential dismissal.
The report indicates that Makary has not been formally notified of his firing, which raises questions about the reliability of the sources reporting this development. Furthermore, the mention of Makary’s support within HHS suggests that any decision to terminate him may face internal resistance, complicating the narrative of a straightforward ouster.
What the excerpt shows about verifiable lies
The excerpt does not present any statements from Trump that can be classified as outright falsehoods or lies. Instead, it describes a situation characterized by uncertainty and potential conflict within the administration regarding public health policy. The claims about Trump’s pressure on Makary to approve flavored e-cigarettes are reported as allegations from unnamed advisers, which means they lack direct attribution to Trump himself. Thus, while the situation is contentious, it does not provide clear evidence of falsehoods or retractions.
Targets and tone
The excerpt does not contain any disparaging or hostile remarks from Trump directed at Makary or any other individuals. Instead, it focuses on the administrative dynamics and the implications of Trump’s actions regarding FDA leadership. The language used is neutral, reflecting the complexities of the situation without resorting to insults or derogatory terms.
In conclusion, this item highlights a brewing conflict within the Trump administration regarding public health leadership and policy, particularly concerning vaping regulations. While the potential firing of Makary raises significant questions about the administration’s priorities, the excerpt lacks definitive evidence of falsehoods or hostile rhetoric, leaving readers to consider the implications of these developments as they unfold.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-approves-plan-to-fire-fda-commissioner-marty-makary/