Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

FDA Leadership Turmoil: Hoeg Fired, Makary Resigns, Vacancies Remain

5/16/2026

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg was dismissed on Friday after refusing to resign, saying she does not know who ordered the firing.
Dr. Marty Makary resigned on Tuesday, ending his 13-month tenure as FDA commissioner.
The FDA now operates with temporary leaders in the commissioner, food chief, and biologics center roles, while the surgeon general and CDC director positions remain vacant.

History

Historical Context

The 2009 H1N1 outbreak prompted President Obama to declare a national emergency on 24 October 2009, giving HHS new powers and leading to CDC and FDA actions. Today, the FDA faces a crisis with the dismissal of Tracy Beth Hoeg and resignation of Marty Makary, leaving posts vacant and echoing the coordination gaps that once hampered the pandemic response, which affected roughly 61 million Americans.

1 of 2

Story summary

Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg was dismissed on Friday after refusing to resign, saying she does not know who ordered the firing.
Dr. Marty Makary resigned on Tuesday, ending his 13-month tenure as FDA commissioner.
The FDA now operates with temporary leaders in the commissioner, food chief, and biologics center roles, while the surgeon general and CDC director positions remain vacant.

1 / 2