Trump taps another wellness influencer for top HHS role: Docs warn of expanded access to peptides, controversial therapies

President Trump has named Kyle Diamantas, JD, as acting commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration following the abrupt resignation of Marty Makary, MD, MPH, whose increasingly controversial tenure reportedly ended amid clashes with the White House over fruit-flavored vapes.^[]

Diamantas is not a physician, but he is no stranger to the FDA. Before stepping into the acting commissioner role, he served as deputy commissioner for human foods, where he became associated with RFK’s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.^[]

His appointment, however temporary, is already drawing criticism.

Who is Kyle Diamantas?

Prior to joining the FDA, Diamantas worked as an attorney at Jones Day and Baker Donelson, where he represented healthcare and pharmaceutical clients.

Diamantas acknowledged those ties earlier this year and reportedly recused himself from infant formula matters in 2025, though he now reportedly plans to reengage in formula-related oversight as acting commissioner.^[]

Like many of his colleagues, Diamantas has frequented the MAHA podcast circuit over the past year, sitting down with Paul Saladino, an influencer who touts the benefits of a carnivore diet, as well as biohacker Gary Brecka.^[]

In his previous role at the FDA, Diamantas was responsible for updating dietary guidelines for Americans, including inverting the traditional food pyramid, placing meats and vegetables at the widest point on top.^[]

He told Politico in 2025 that his biggest achievement was the removal of artificial dyes from food products.^[]

"Wasn't a Makary fan, but I'm afraid of what's to come,” @adifferentGOAT, PharmD, wrote in a post on r/medicine about Diamantas’ appointment. “Assuming whoever is next is going to open the door for peptides. Fascinating to me the scrutiny on prescription drugs including vaccines, but supplements and peptides are welcomed.”

What’s next for Makary?

The bigger question is what Diamantas' appointment signals about the FDA's direction going forward.

At the FDA, Makary pursued faster drug reviews, expanded access pathways for rare disease therapies, and new guidance around psychedelics and peptides.^[][][] But his tenure became increasingly overshadowed by political and regulatory controversy.

Tensions escalated between Makary and the White House over flavored e-cigarette approvals. Trump allies reportedly viewed Makary as too cautious on vaping products, while public health critics accused the administration of politicizing FDA decisions.^[]

"He [Makary] was an awful FDA leader who finally hit his limit,” @PoketheVeil, a psychiatrist, wrote in r/medicine. “Now he will be out and replaced by someone more biddable and with even lower standards. Good riddance and alas.”