Former FDA leaders denounce agency layoffs as historic disaster

Three former Food and Drug Administration commissioners publicly condemned the recent staffing reductions at the agency, calling the moves a major failure of policy.

Rob Califf, who served as FDA commissioner under Presidents Obama and Biden, said the cuts – dubbed “DOGE” – will be remembered as one of the biggest disasters in American history. He warned that the loss of 3,500 employees erodes institutional knowledge that will take years to rebuild.

Former commissioner Scott Gottlieb echoed Califf’s concerns, adding that the rapid exodus of staff under the previous leadership threatens the agency’s ability to fulfill its regulatory mission. The criticism comes as the White House nominates Heidi Overton to replace Marty Makary, who resigned amid the turmoil.

The officials urged policymakers to shield the FDA from further politicization and to prioritize restoring its workforce before new initiatives proceed.