FDA Commissioner Makary Marks One Year with Staff Address

Makary praised agency achievements and acknowledged 'challenging start' to his tenure in private speech.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:53pm

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In a private speech to FDA staff, Commissioner Marty Makary recounted the agency's accomplishments over the past year and acknowledged the 'challenging start' to his tenure, which began on April 1, 2026 - the same day the Trump administration laid off thousands of HHS employees, including 3,500 from the FDA.

Why it matters

Makary's speech provides insight into the internal dynamics and morale at the FDA during a tumultuous period, as the agency navigated significant staffing cuts and public criticism from the new administration.

The details

In his speech, Makary praised FDA staff for their work and emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive workplace culture. He referenced the 'difficulty' the agency faced due to actions taken just before he became commissioner, an apparent reference to the mass layoffs that occurred on his first day.

  • Makary's one-year anniversary as FDA Commissioner was on April 1, 2026.
  • On April 1, 2026, the Trump administration laid off 10,000 people at the Health and Human Services Department, including 3,500 FDA employees.

The players

Marty Makary

The current Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, appointed by the Trump administration.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The former Health Secretary who called FDA employees 'sock puppets of the pharmaceutical industry' shortly after Makary became Commissioner.

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What they’re saying

“We had some difficulty here due to some actions just before I came into office. That's why ensuring a good workplace culture has been something very important to me.”

— Marty Makary, FDA Commissioner

The takeaway

Makary's speech highlights the challenges he has faced in leading the FDA during a turbulent transition, emphasizing the importance of maintaining staff morale and a positive workplace culture as the agency navigates a new political landscape.