How will FDA change under Trump? 3 issues to watch in 2025

The Food and Drug Administration’s leadership and agenda is about to change, making 2025 a critical year for the agency. 

With Donald Trump taking office and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poised to assume the nation’s top health role, it seems the agency is on the precipice of a big shake-up. Kennedy has floated loosening regulation on raw milk, more harshly scrutinizing the safety of vaccines, and cracking down on ultra-processed foods and additives. 

It’s unclear whether any of that will come to pass. Kennedy needs Senate confirmation to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. FDA commissioner nominee Marty Makary also needs Senate confirmation, and it’s not clear how he and Kennedy will work together or what they may prioritize.