Former FDA Chiefs Warn DOGE Cuts Left Agency with Years of Institutional Loss
Former FDA commissioners Rob Califf, Scott Gottlieb, and Norman Sharpless criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the agency, labeling the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) layoffs a historic disaster. They noted that the removal of 3,500 staff members, followed by the resignation of Commissioner Marty Makary, stripped the agency of critical institutional knowledge. While they expressed optimism regarding new acting leadership, they warned that rebuilding trust and capacity will take years. The panelists urged incoming officials to protect the workforce from political interference and to refocus on the FDA’s core statutory mission rather than broader policy debates like drug pricing or vaccine hesitancy.
Key points
- Former commissioners described DOGE cuts as a major disaster that removed 3,500 employees and vital institutional memory.
- The agency is currently led by acting commissioner Kyle Diamantas and policy lead Grace Graham, whom former officials praised for returning to rational decision-making.
- Heidi Overton has been nominated to replace Marty Makary but has not yet faced Senate confirmation.
- Former leaders advised new management to prioritize recruiting, supporting, and defending the workforce to restore confidence.
- Critics argued that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to erode public trust in vaccines and federal health agencies.
Background
This follows earlier reports in September 2026 indicating that the FDA’s effort to hire 2,000 new employees was stalling due to an understaffed human resources department, a direct consequence of the previous year’s cuts. Additionally, recent memoirs from former DOGE insiders have detailed the internal culture of the organization that executed these layoffs, though former FDA leaders maintain that the operational damage to the agency remains severe.
Why it matters
The stability of the FDA is critical for ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical devices. The loss of experienced reviewers and institutional knowledge could delay approvals and compromise regulatory standards. Furthermore, ongoing disputes over vaccine policy and public trust in federal health agencies have significant implications for national health security and the effectiveness of public health campaigns.
What to watch
The Senate must vote on the confirmation of Heidi Overton as the new FDA commissioner. The agency will continue its recruitment drive to replace lost staff, though bureaucratic hurdles remain. Public attention will likely remain focused on HHS Secretary Kennedy’s efforts to reform vaccine regulations and the FDA’s ability to maintain its statutory focus amidst political pressure.
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