Dr. Tracy Beth Hogue, a former acting director at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, announced her dismissal on Friday, marking her as the second prominent official to exit the agency this week.
This news comes right after the resignation of Marty McCulley, the former FDA Commissioner, who left the position on Tuesday amid speculation that President Donald Trump was unhappy with his performance.
Hogue stated that she had closely collaborated with McCulley on drug regulation matters before her own promotion to CDER director back in December. She expressed surprise at being let go.
In an interview, Hogue shared, “I said I didn’t want to resign. I wouldn’t sign my resignation if it wasn’t my choice.”
According to her, the decision to terminate her was not made at the lower levels of the agency. “They made it clear that it wasn’t their decision,” she explained, adding that the order came from someone higher up the hierarchy.
Dr. Mike Davis, who was formerly Hogue’s deputy, is set to take over her position, as reported in an email to FDA staff that was acquired by the Associated Press.
While the White House hasn’t released an official statement regarding Hogue’s exit, her departure may point to ongoing changes following McCulley’s resignation. Alongside Hogue, Katherine Sharama, who previously directed the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and Jim Traficant, the FDA chief of staff, are also leaving the agency.
Fox News Digital has attempted to get comments from the White House and the FDA concerning these departures.
