Flavored E-Cigarettes Opposition and Resignation

Dr. Marty Makary resigned as FDA Commissioner on May 12, 2026, after roughly thirteen months in office, in a dispute over fruit-flavored e-cigarettes. Makary refused to authorize fruit-flavored vaping products from a company called Glas Inc.; CBS News reported that other administration officials pushed the authorizations through anyway, and Makary resigned days later. Youth-appealing flavors were, for Makary, a red line.

The Wall Street Journal reported that HHS Secretary Kennedy had concluded around the end of April 2026 that Makary needed to be replaced, with chief of staff Susie Wiles carrying the decision to President Trump, who had reportedly signed off on a firing before Makary resigned. After his departure, the FDA cleared a series of new nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes. A White House-allied media take argued that Makary “was right to object” to the flavored-vape push.

With Makary out, deputy commissioner Kyle Diamantas became acting commissioner and Heidi Overton was nominated as his permanent successor. The resignation is resolved as an event; the underlying policy fight over flavored nicotine products continues.

Timeline

• Early 2026: Makary refuses to authorize fruit-flavored e-cigarettes from Glas Inc.
• Late April 2026: Per the WSJ, Secretary Kennedy concludes Makary needs replacing; chief of staff Susie Wiles carries the decision to President Trump, who signs off on a firing.
• May 12, 2026: Makary resigns as FDA Commissioner; Kyle Diamantas becomes acting commissioner.
• 2026 (post-resignation): FDA clears a series of new nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes; Heidi Overton is nominated as permanent commissioner, with a Senate HELP vote pending as of early October 2026.