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Trump’s FDA Nominee Deflects Vaccine Inquiry, Cites Biden’s Booster Decision

Dr. Marty Makary, former Fox News medical contributor and professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, faced scrutiny during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). Nominated by former President Donald Trump to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Makary fielded questions on a range of critical public health issues, including vaccine processes, chronic illness, food safety, and abortion. A key point of contention arose when Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, pressed Makary about a reportedly postponed FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee meeting.

Senator Murray inquired, "So if you are confirmed, will you commit to immediately reschedule that FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee meeting to get the expert views?" The meeting in question was reportedly delayed at the last minute, raising concerns about transparency and the inclusion of expert scientific input in crucial public health decisions.

Makary responded cautiously, stating, "I would reevaluate which topics deserve a convening of the advisory committee members on [Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee] and which may not require a convening," highlighting that he was not involved in the initial decision to postpone the meeting.

Undeterred, Murray pressed the nominee further. Makary, in a notable move, deflected the criticism back towards the previous administration, replying, "Well, you can ask the Biden administration that chose not to convene the committee meeting for the COVID vaccine booster."

This response referenced the FDA’s decision in 2021 to approve a COVID-19 booster shot for all individuals over the age of 18 without holding a meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. The FDA, in a press release at the time, justified this decision by stating that the agency had already convened the committee for extensive discussions regarding booster doses. They concluded that the requests from Pfizer and Moderna did not raise questions that would necessitate further committee deliberation.

However, this decision was met with criticism even within the scientific community. Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the advisory committee and director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, voiced concerns at the time. He noted, "We’re being asked to approve this as a three-dose vaccine for people 16 years of age and older, without any clear evidence if the third dose for a younger person when compared to an elderly person is of value." This highlighted a potential disconnect between the agency’s decision and the available scientific data, particularly regarding the efficacy of boosters in younger populations.

Fox News Digital subsequently reached out to Senator Murray for comment on the Biden administration’s decision. Murray responded with a statement expressing a shift in her confidence in public health agencies. "In 2022, I had confidence that our public health agencies were following the latest science and listening to public health experts. I do not have that confidence now," she stated.

Murray’s statement also emphasized the importance of the postponed flu vaccine advisory committee meeting. "We’re talking about Trump and RFK Jr. canceling a routine meeting that has taken place annually, for at least 30 years, to make recommendations for which influenza strains should be included in the flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season — there has been zero justification for its cancellation or any information about when it would be rescheduled," she continued.

She stressed the critical role of the advisory committee in ensuring timely vaccine production. "The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and lifesaving — we need this advisory committee to meet so manufacturers have enough time to prepare the correct vaccines."

Prior to the confirmation hearing, Murray, along with fellow HELP Democratic Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, sent a letter to Makary, expressing their concerns. "We intend to use your nomination hearing next week to understand whether you support this ill-informed measure to slow critical public health decision-making," the senators wrote.

HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, also raised concerns about the postponed meeting. He questioned Makary, "How will you ensure that advisory committees remain objective, transparent and still benefiting from the necessary expertise of external experts?"

Makary assured Cassidy that he would review the function of advisory committees. "You have my commitment to review what the committees are doing [and] how they’re being used," he stated. He reiterated his past criticism of the FDA’s decision not to convene the advisory committee during a COVID-19 booster guidance decision, recalling that FDA leadership at the time argued that the committees were advisory and their input was not mandatory. "That was repeatedly, throughout the Biden administration," Makary emphasized.

The exchange highlights a broader debate surrounding the role of advisory committees in public health decision-making. While agencies like the FDA retain the ultimate authority to approve or reject medical products, advisory committees provide valuable external expertise and ensure transparency in the process. The postponement or cancellation of such meetings raises concerns about the potential for political influence to override scientific considerations.

Makary’s confirmation process promises further scrutiny on his views regarding vaccine safety, public health policy, and the role of the FDA in safeguarding public health. His past criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic suggest a potential shift in approach if he is confirmed as FDA commissioner. The senators’ concerns, particularly regarding the postponement of routine advisory meetings, underscore the importance of transparency and expert input in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of public health interventions. The future of the FDA under Makary’s potential leadership remains a subject of intense interest and debate.