This week, I called on Dr. Martin Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, to cease FDA actions against desiccated thyroid medications in response to scandalous revelations about former Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) Director George Tidmarsh.

On November 2, 2025, Dr. Tidmarsh resigned amid a Department of Health and Human Services investigation into claims made against Tidmarsh by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, alleging that he used his regulatory authority and official resources to remove desiccated thyroid drugs from the market. 

Reports show that Tidmarsh ‘targeted multiple companies’ affiliated with Tang, using his official position within the FDA, and pushed the Agency, again with official resources, to remove desiccated thyroid drugs, including those made by American Laboratories, that manufacture the active ingredient for desiccated thyroid drugs on the market.

In August, I sent a letter to Dr. Makary requesting that the FDA provide answers as to why it was inexplicably taking action against desiccated thyroid medications that have been safely used for decades. At the time, I shared concerns that any restrictions would affect patients who rely on these medications and asked what steps the FDA would take to ensure that patients’ access to effective thyroid treatment options be maintained.

Now, I am calling for a withdrawal or indefinite suspension of any enforcement actions brought against desiccated thyroid drugs on or after the date in July 2025 of Tidmarsh’s appointment, at least until an integrity review can be conducted.

It was clear to me based on the feedback that I have received from countless constituents that the FDA’s action against these medications was likely not science based. Given our government’s reaction to COVID-19, it is not hard to imagine that bad actors in our government have personal agendas and no regard for science or our citizens. So, I did not hesitate to question the FDA’s action that many of my constituents believe would negatively impact their quality of life.

In my letter to Dr. Makary, I wrote that I understand that his office has gone through tremendous difficulty during the Senate Democrat shutdown, and that the alleged incident seems to have taken place in spite of, rather than because of, his leadership.

I also commended his swift action in placing Dr. Tidmarsh on administrative leave, which I believe demonstrates responsiveness to serious concerns, and the Trump Administration’s decisive actions to lower the cost of prescription drugs for everyday Americans.

The FDA's primary mission should be ensuring drug safety and efficacy, not unnecessarily restricting access to medications with established track records of safety and effectiveness. The American people expect that FDA regulatory actions be grounded in science and patient safety, not personal scores or abuse of authority.

You can read my letter here.