Marty Makary Faces Scrutiny in Confirmation Hearing for FDA Leadership

The Johns Hopkins surgeon and Trump nominee outlines plans for food regulation, abortion drug review, and vaccine policy while addressing concerns over his past positions.

Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and public health commentator, testified before the Senate for his confirmation as FDA commissioner under President Trump.
Makary pledged to evaluate school lunch programs, food additives, and chemicals, aligning with the administration's focus on addressing chronic disease through dietary changes.
He faced questions on his commitment to science-based decisions, particularly regarding the abortion drug mifepristone, which he promised to review without preconceived plans for policy changes.
Makary committed to resuming vaccine advisory committee meetings and reviewing the ethics policies governing conflicts of interest among FDA advisory members.
His nomination has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters citing his medical expertise and critics raising concerns over his controversial COVID-19 positions and alignment with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.