Former FDA leaders call Trump-era layoffs a disaster and urge new focus
Three former FDA commissioners warned that mass layoffs during the Trump administration eroded institutional knowledge and called for a new focus on recruiting and protecting the agency’s workforce.
15 Oct 2026 0 reads Compiled with AI
#FDA #Robert Califf #Scott Gottlieb #Ned Sharpless #Marty Makary #Kyle Diamantas
Three former FDA commissioners spoke at the 2026 STAT Summit in Boston. They criticized the Trump administration for large staff cuts. They said the cuts harmed the agency’s ability to regulate safely.
The DOGE program cut 3,500 workers. These cuts preceded a larger exodus under former commissioner Marty Makary, who resigned in May. The layoffs removed many experienced staff.
Commissioners Califf, Gottlieb and Sharpless said losing institutional memory hurts drug and device review. Gottlieb noted that companies now meet with less experienced reviewers. Sharpless said the cuts were arbitrary.
They also said new leadership could improve things. They praised acting commissioner Kyle Diamantas and policy lead Grace Graham. They said these leaders are returning the agency to rational decision making.
The former officials advised that future leaders must recruit, support and defend the workforce. They urged protection from political meddling. They warned about vaccine trust issues and the influence of Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.
They reminded that the FDA’s mandate is to ensure safe and effective medicine. They said the agency should not try to change drug prices or address vaccine hesitancy. Staying within its statutory role will keep the agency stable.