STAT+: What the Trump administration wants in its next FDA leader

STAT PlusExclusive What the Trump administration wants in its next FDA leader The wish list for the next commissioner could make it even harder to fill the role Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Daniel Payne and Lizzy LawrenceMay 13, 2026 Daniel Payne[email protected]Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100.Lizzy Lawrence[email protected]Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53. WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is moving quickly to identify the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration after the resignation of Marty Makary on Tuesday, with an eye for someone who can rebuild trust with agency staff, focus on the agency’s food policy, and continue to drive drug-approval reforms. Administration leaders hope to conduct the search over “the next several weeks,” according to an official with knowledge of the process, granted anonymity to speak candidly. Despite chatter among lobbyists about who is in contention, there’s currently no short list of candidates, the official said.Advertisement Despite the urgency, the process will take a while. The Senate is in session for only so many days, and the administration also needs to confirm Erica Schwartz, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nominee, and Nicole Saphier, the surgeon general nominee. It’s possible Kyle Diamantas, formerly in charge of the FDA’s food center, will still be acting commissioner when the midterms arrive in November. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In drug development, FDA, HHS, Policy, RFK Jr., STAT+, White House Submit a correction requestReprints Daniel Payne Washington Correspondent Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100. Lizzy Lawrence FDA Reporter Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended The Readout May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Gene therapy viruses linked to a boy’s tumor Biotech May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Drug meant to make gene therapy safer may also make it less effective Advertisement Biotech May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Scientists link boy’s tumor to gene therapy viruses, in rare finding Matt's Take May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Why Marty Makary was the worst FDA commissioner in 25 years Politics May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Makary departs FDA amid turmoil as Diamantas, agency’s top food official, steps in Subscriber Picks