President Donald Trump is holding in-person interviews this week to select a permanent commissioner for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the White House confirmed on Tuesday.
The administration is moving to stabilize leadership at the agency, which regulates products accounting for roughly one-fifth of U.S. consumer spending. The move follows the May departure of Marty Makary, who served 13 months in the role amid internal clashes and pushback from biotech firms.
A wave of senior agency leaders also resigned shortly after Makary’s exit, contributing to the leadership vacuum. Kyle Diamantas, who previously led the FDA’s food division, currently serves as acting commissioner.
Among the candidates being considered for the permanent role is Heidi Overton, a White House policy aide, and Jeff Vacirca, a physician who leads a network of oncology practices. U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, a Georgia Republican, has also been mentioned as a potential nominee.
White House spokesman Kush Desai cautioned that any discussion of potential nominations should be treated as speculation until formally announced by Trump. The FDA’s regulatory scope spans food, drugs, medical devices, and tobacco, making the commissioner role a critical position for public health and economic policy.
