President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Marty Makary, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital, to lead the FDA.
Dr. Makary, currently a surgical oncologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, has been critical of the agency’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination mandates for children and young adults.
In a recent post on his website discussing his latest book, Dr. Makary criticized experts who demonize natural fats in foods and drive Americans towards processed carbohydrates, leading to increased obesity rates.
If confirmed as FDA commissioner, Dr. Makary would take over several ongoing projects at the agency.
Outgoing Commissioner Robert Califf initiated a major reorganization of the FDA’s food division, consolidating functions and focusing on inspections and investigations of food products.
Some analysts believe Dr. Makary’s selection may bring significant changes to the FDA’s approach to food regulation.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the need for Dr. Makary to address harmful chemicals in the food supply and drugs given to young people to combat the Chronic Disease Epidemic.
Dr. Makary will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and has pledged to increase regulation of food companies and crack down on additives like corn syrup.
Trump expressed his belief that Dr. Makary, with his expertise in health policy and oncology, is the right choice to lead the FDA and restore trust in the agency.