New FDA chief offers support for Kennedy on autism claims, says no more ‘mass cuts’ planned

CNN - Apr 18th, 2025
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US FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, in a recent interview with Megyn Kelly, discussed his views on the potential causes of autism, attributing it to a range of environmental and dietary exposures rather than vaccines. He aligned with comments made by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been critical of vaccine ties to autism, which Makary clarified as misconstrued. The interview marked Makary's first since assuming his role and followed a controversial visit by Kennedy to the FDA campus, where accusations of 'deep state' corruption were raised. Makary defended Kennedy, citing the opioid crisis as an example of regulatory capture by industries.

Makary announced plans to remove industry representatives from FDA advisory committees and replace them with patients and caregivers, although industry reps can still attend and pose questions. These changes aim to bolster public trust and transparency in the agency's processes. The interview also touched on the recent resignation of Dr. Peter Marks, former director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, who criticized Kennedy for undermining vaccine confidence. Makary distanced himself from Marks, emphasizing new leadership opportunities within the FDA. These developments highlight ongoing debates over the agency's direction and its relationship with the pharmaceutical industry.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a range of important and timely topics, including autism research, vaccine safety, and FDA restructuring. It provides a clear and accessible overview of Dr. Marty Makary's interview and his views on these issues, supported by direct quotes and attributions.

While the article is generally accurate, it would benefit from additional evidence and diverse perspectives to support its claims, particularly those related to autism causes and FDA layoffs. This would enhance its credibility and impact, providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed.

The article's engagement and public interest potential are strong, given its coverage of high-profile figures and controversial topics. However, it could further enhance reader interaction and discussion by incorporating more interactive elements or calls to action. Overall, the article is a valuable contribution to public discourse, offering insights into key public health debates and regulatory practices.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several claims that are generally accurate but require careful verification. Dr. Marty Makary's suggestion that autism is caused by environmental and dietary exposures is presented as a direct quote, which aligns with statements he made in the interview. However, the article does not provide specific evidence or studies supporting this claim, which is crucial given the sensitivity of the topic. The mention of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s involvement in autism research and his views on vaccines is accurately reported, though the article notes that research has found no proof of links between vaccines and autism, aligning with scientific consensus.

The description of Makary's interview with Megyn Kelly, including his comments on societal distrust of federal health agencies and industry influence, seems consistent with the interview's content. The article also accurately reports Makary's plans to remove industry representatives from FDA advisory committees, a verifiable claim that aligns with his stated intentions. However, the claim about 3,500 FDA employees being laid off requires verification, as it is a significant assertion that impacts the credibility of the article.

Overall, while the article presents factual information, it lacks comprehensive source support for some claims, particularly those related to scientific research on autism and the alleged FDA layoffs. This affects the overall accuracy score.

6
Balance

The article attempts to provide a balanced view by presenting multiple perspectives, including those of Dr. Marty Makary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It acknowledges Kennedy's controversial stance on vaccines and autism, while also highlighting Makary's defense of Kennedy's broader criticisms of federal health agencies. However, the article leans towards Makary's viewpoint without providing substantial counterarguments or perspectives from other experts in the field of autism research.

The inclusion of Dr. Peter Marks' resignation and his views on vaccine confidence adds some balance, but the article does not delve deeply into his perspective or the reasons behind his resignation. This omission limits the reader's understanding of the broader context and the potential implications of these developments within the FDA.

While the article covers different angles, it could improve balance by incorporating more diverse viewpoints, particularly from independent experts or organizations in the fields of public health and autism research. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main points of Dr. Marty Makary's interview. The language used is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for a general audience to understand the key issues discussed.

The article effectively outlines the context of Makary's comments, including his recent appointment as FDA Commissioner and the controversy surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s visit to the FDA campus. This helps readers grasp the significance of the statements made and the broader implications for public health policy.

However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of complex topics, such as the scientific basis for autism research and the implications of FDA restructuring. This would enhance reader comprehension and ensure that the information is presented in a comprehensive and understandable manner.

7
Source quality

The article primarily relies on statements made by Dr. Marty Makary during his interview with Megyn Kelly, which is a direct and credible source given his position as the FDA Commissioner. The inclusion of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s comments adds another layer of source quality, as he is a prominent public figure involved in health policy debates.

However, the article lacks attribution to additional authoritative sources or studies that could substantiate the claims made, particularly those related to autism causes and vaccine safety. The absence of input from independent experts or references to peer-reviewed research diminishes the overall source quality.

To enhance source quality, the article could benefit from including insights from scientists, healthcare professionals, or academic studies that provide context and validation for the claims presented. This would strengthen the reliability and credibility of the information provided.

6
Transparency

The article provides some transparency by clearly attributing quotes and statements to Dr. Marty Makary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which helps readers understand the basis of the claims made. However, it lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the methodology behind the claims, particularly those related to autism research and FDA restructuring.

The article does not explain the criteria or evidence used to support the assertion that environmental and dietary exposures contribute to autism, nor does it clarify the source of the information regarding the alleged FDA layoffs. This lack of detailed context and methodology affects the transparency of the reporting.

Improving transparency would involve providing more background on the studies or data that support the claims made, as well as clarifying any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the perspectives presented. This would give readers a clearer understanding of the factors impacting the story's impartiality.

Sources

  1. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/31/new-fda-commissioner-signed-off-on-ousting-top-vaccine-regulator-after-private-swearing-in-00260582
  2. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/11/rfk-jr-hhs-fda-deep-state-00286826
  3. https://www.biospace.com/policy/fda-moves-to-restrict-industry-influence-on-advisory-committees
  4. https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/fdageneral/114494
  5. https://qresear.ch/?q=billion