Kyle Diamantas is expected to take over as acting head of the US Food and Drug Administration following the resignation of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the situation.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday (May 12) that Makary was stepping down. Makary had a turbulent tenure marked by growing criticism, political pressure and controversy over vaccines, vaping products and drug approvals.
“Marty’s a great guy, but he’s going to go on and lead a good life. He’s had some troubles,” Trump told reporters.
Diamantas currently heads the Food Division of the FDA
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Kyle Diamantas is expected to serve as acting head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following the resignation of Commissioner Marty Makary. He currently leads FDA’s Human Foods Program as Deputy Commissioner for Food.
Marty Makary’s tenure as FDA commissioner has been marked by internal turmoil, political pressure and criticism over the approval of vaccines, vaping products and drug reviews. His departure followed disputes with various groups including anti-abortion organizations and vaping industry executives.
Prior to joining the FDA, Kyle Diamantas was a partner at the international law firm Jones Day, where he advised food and beverage clients on regulatory and compliance matters. His experience includes FDA regulations, food safety compliance and federal legislation.
Kyle Diamantas is generally viewed by industry officials as knowledgeable and pragmatic, making him easier to work with than some previous FDA leaders. He has also established relationships with various food industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
Marty Makary’s resignation followed mounting criticism from conservative activists, anti-abortion groups, vaping lobbyists and pharmaceutical companies. Issues have included delays in revising the abortion pill mifepristone, restrictions on flavored vaping products and controversy over vaccine approvals.
Diamantas currently serves as the FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Food, overseeing the Human Foods Program.
In this role, he oversees FDA’s food safety, nutrition, inspection, investigation, and regulatory operations associated with human food products in the United States.
This position gives him broad authority over:
-Risk prioritization strategy
-Food emergency operations
Diamantas also oversees food-related activities within the FDA’s Office of Inspections and Investigations.
As the agency’s top official, he acts as a liaison between the FDA, the Department of Health and Human Services, the White House, foreign governments, and international organizations on food-related policy matters.
A lawyer with an industrial and regulatory background
Prior to joining the FDA, Diamantas worked as a partner at the international law firm Jones Day, advising food and beverage industry clients on regulatory and compliance matters.
He has previously worked on legal and policy issues including:
-Investigation and enforcement
Diamantas also contributed to discussions about the FDA’s new post-market safety evaluation system, which was designed to review chemicals used in food products.
He noted at the time that the program would likely “undoubtedly affect most food producers”.
Seen as low profile and suitable for industry
Unlike Makary, who frequently appeared on cable news and public platforms, Diamantas kept a relatively low public profile during his time at the FDA.
He was generally viewed by industry officials as knowledgeable, pragmatic and easier to work with than some recent FDA leaders.
During his regulatory career, he also developed relationships with federal agencies, scientific groups, consumer advocates, policymakers, and food industry stakeholders.
Education and legal training
Diamantas received his law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science pre-law from the University of Central Florida.
Makary’s departure followed growing criticism
Makary’s resignation came after weeks of mounting criticism from conservative activists, anti-abortion groups, vaping lobbyists, pharmaceutical companies and Trump’s media allies.
Its leadership withdrew control over:
-Delay in checking the abortion pill mifepristone
-Restrictions on flavored vaping products
-Controversies over vaccine approval
-Rejection of drugs for rare diseases and cancer
Makary also faced pressure after repeated internal shakeups at the FDA, with several leadership departures and ongoing clashes over scientific independence.
A permanent replacement is still undecided
According to reports, the White House has yet to select a permanent FDA commissioner.
Among the names reportedly being considered are former FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn and former Acting Commissioner Brett Giroir.
But officials reportedly face challenges recruiting candidates willing to lead the agency under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose positions on vaccines and public health have sparked controversy in the scientific and medical communities.
Until a permanent nominee is selected, Diamantas is expected to oversee the FDA during a period of continued political scrutiny and regulatory uncertainty.
Read also | US FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns Amid Turbulence at Health Agencies
