Overview

• Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and public health commentator, testified before the Senate for his confirmation as FDA commissioner under President Trump.
• Makary pledged to evaluate school lunch programs, food additives, and chemicals, aligning with the administration's focus on addressing chronic disease through dietary changes.
• He faced questions on his commitment to science-based decisions, particularly regarding the abortion drug mifepristone, which he promised to review without preconceived plans for policy changes.
• Makary committed to resuming vaccine advisory committee meetings and reviewing the ethics policies governing conflicts of interest among FDA advisory members.
• His nomination has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters citing his medical expertise and critics raising concerns over his controversial COVID-19 positions and alignment with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.