Kyle Diamantas, a former corporate lawyer whom Donald Trump described as a 'very talented person,' has been appointed acting commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Diamantas previously defended a popular formula maker against claims that its product harmed premature babies.
Background and Previous Role
Diamantas served as the FDA deputy commissioner for food, overseeing nutrition and food safety protocols. He set strategic direction for US food policy and acted as a liaison between the FDA, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the White House. He also represented the agency in food-related dealings with foreign governments and international organizations.
Predecessor's Resignation
Diamantas's ascension follows the resignation of Marty Makary on Tuesday. Makary's 13-month tenure was marked by clashes with lawmakers over drug regulation and a review of mifepristone, an abortion medication. Trump reportedly signed off on firing Makary after admonishing him for not approving fruit-flavored vapes.
Temporary Leadership and Search for Permanent Commissioner
Diamantas will not hold the role permanently. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the search for a new FDA commissioner is underway, thanking Diamantas for his leadership on the 'MAHA food agenda.' Within the agency, Diamantas is viewed as a non-controversial pick, having kept senior leadership in place at the Human Foods Program.
Legal Career and Controversies
Diamantas, 38, left Miami law firm Jones Day to join the FDA in February 2025. As a partner, he defended Abbott Laboratories in a lawsuit over its formula for premature infants, which allegedly increased the risk of a deadly gastrointestinal condition. In 2024, Abbott lost the lawsuit and was ordered to pay $495 million, a decision upheld on appeal in May 2026.
Diamantas is a close friend of Donald Trump Jr., as shown in a 2021 social media post. He has also appeared on the MAHA podcast circuit with health influencers.
Qualifications and Achievements
Diamantas holds a juris doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and has no professional medical experience. His Jones Day biography notes over 10 years of experience advising food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical clients. A key responsibility was updating dietary guidelines, inverting the traditional food pyramid to place meats and vegetables at the top. He also removed petroleum-based artificial dyes from food products, which he cited as his biggest achievement.
Views on Ultra-Processed Foods
Regarding ultra-processed foods, Diamantas stated: 'We're not looking to ban people from eating ultra-processed foods. If you want to go have a box of Ding Dongs after this, you can do that. This is America. What we're saying is people should understand what these products are, and consumers should make choices.'
Recusal and Future Plans
Diamantas acknowledged his prior work for Abbott, noting a one-year recusal from infant formula matters after his 2025 appointment. However, he plans to 'dive back into infant formula' to ensure safety from chemical additives and microbiological issues, referencing a recent infant botulism outbreak.
Secretary Kennedy appointed Diamantas as senior counselor for the FDA in February 2026, a role he held alongside his deputy commissioner duties.
