FDA Replaces 2 Top Drug Regulators as Trump Team Seeks New Commissioner Within Weeks
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 15
FDA Replaces 2 Top Drug Regulators as Trump Team Seeks New Commissioner Within Weeks
5 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 15
Michael Davis and Karim Mikhail were installed to lead the FDA’s drug and biologics centers, replacing acting chiefs Tracy Beth Høeg and Katherine Szarama in a leadership reshuffle posted on the agency’s chart Friday night.
Høeg said on X that she was fired, while Szarama will remain at the agency; Lowell Zeta was also named acting chief of staff.
The moves follow former commissioner Marty Makary’s departure days earlier after reports that President Donald Trump wanted him out, extending a week of upheaval at the agency.
The FDA oversees products tied to about 20% of U.S. consumer spending and has faced repeated turnover under Trump’s second administration, with both CDER and CBER cycling through multiple leaders over the past year.
The administration aims to name a permanent FDA commissioner within weeks, though the nominee will need Senate confirmation as other senior health posts also remain unfilled.
How will the FDA's new leadership now shape the future of drug approvals and medical innovation?
With non-medical experts in top roles, can the FDA maintain its science-first mission for public safety?