Chicago – May 08, 2026
The White House is considering naming Kyle Diamantas, the Food and Drug Administration’s deputy commissioner for food, as acting commissioner if Marty Makary is removed from the post, according to Reuters sources.
The move would come as the administration reportedly prepares to dismiss Makary after months of turmoil inside the agency. Reuters reported that the White House has already signed off on a plan to fire him, while The Wall Street Journal first reported the broader effort.
Diamantas oversees the FDA’s food division, and his possible elevation would place a food-policy official at the helm during a period of leadership uncertainty. Reuters also reported that former FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn and former acting commissioner Brett Giroir are under consideration for the permanent job.
The FDA has faced internal strain over drug approvals, vaping policy and staff turnover, adding pressure on the White House to stabilize the agency’s leadership.
A final decision has not been announced.
