US sacks FDA tobacco Chief amid leadership crisis

The United States Food and Drug Administration( US FDA), on Tuesday April 1, 2025, sacked its chief tobacco regulator, Brian King, in a sweeping leadership reform.

According to media reports, King announced his removal in an email, saying he was placed on administrative leave with profound disappointment.

Dozens of FDA tobacco center staff were also dismissed, including offices responsible for drafting new regulations.

Former FDA tobacco chief, Mitch Zeller, said the move ‘eviscerates’ the center’s role in public health policy.

King joined the agency in 2022 and ordered flavored e-cigarettes off the market, drawing criticism from vaping companies.

His exit follows the resignation of its vaccine Chief Dr. Peter Marks over claims of misinformation in vaccine policies.

Recent changes have led to the departure of key FDA leaders overseeing drugs, food, vaccines, and medical devices.

Former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf described the restructuring as a “huge mistake” that weakens the agency.

The leadership vacuum comes as Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. plans to fire 3,500 its staff.

New FDA Commissioner Marty Makary inherits an agency struggling with layoffs and a chaotic return-to-office process.

Makary told lawmakers he would assess recent dismissals but has not outlined plans for FDA’s tobacco policies.

Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco-related diseases remain the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.

The FDA’s tobacco center faces pressure to curb unauthorized vaping products targeting teens and approve safer alternatives.

King rejected millions of flavored e-cigarette applications, triggering lawsuits, including one argued at the Supreme Court.

The Vapor Technology Association welcomed King’s removal, calling it the first step to fixing FDA’s ‘broken mindset.’

Other recent FDA exits include top officials in food safety, drug regulation, and medical devices.

Many senior scientists have also resigned, leaving the agency in turmoil

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