The two sides of Trump's FDA commissioner pick

Some consider him a fearless truth-teller and an independent thinker. Others consider him a contrarian for contrarian's sake

Log In    Subscribe essential reading   Truth-teller or reflexive contrarian: Which Marty Makary would run the FDA? By Lizzy Lawrence Photo illustration: Christine Kao/STAT; Photo courtesy : Johns Hopkins University FDA commissioner nominee Marty Makary, like many of Trump's picks, is an anti-establishment thinker now poised to join the establishment.   But unlike HHS secretary nominee RFK Jr., Makary has engendered trust from traditional health care leaders — with several vouching for his commitment to science in interviews with STAT. Others consider him a contrarian for contrarian's sake, opining on matters outside of his expertise for political clout. Altogether, experts are divided on how Makary could lead America's regulator of drugs, devices, food and tobacco. READ MORE Sign up for D.C. Diagnosis U.S. politics — and its impact on health care — changes every day. Cut through the noise with our twice-weekly newsletter covering politics and policy. Learn more. In Case You Missed It 'We dodged a bullet': Biotech and pharma react to selection of Marty Makary for FDA commissioner By STAT Staff Exclusive: Trump's pick to run FDA is top exec of company that provides compounded weight-loss drugs By John Wilkerson, Rachel Cohrs Zhang, and Katie Palmer Outgoing CDC director girds against an overhaul, and tries to calm staff nerves By Helen Branswell Three major health care policy issues to watch in 2025 By John Wilkerson Don't miss out on another STAT Investigation Unlock the world of health and medicine with a subscription to STAT+ Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2024, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us