Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary speaks on stage during The Semafor 2025 World Economy Summit on April 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. Tasos Katopodis via Getty Images
The funding lapse triggered by the U.S. government shutdown is the latest test for an agency that’s already dealt with significant layoffs and leadership upheaval this year.
October 1, 2025 – By Kristin Jensen-
Dive Brief:
- The Food and Drug Administration, already reeling from layoffs and leadership changes under the Trump Administration, warned that the government shutdown will delay or pause important work at the agency.
- In a memo released before the shutdown began, the FDA said it expects to retain 86% of its staff, or 13,872 employees. The agency can continue reviewing existing applications for products, including drugs and medical devices that are funded by user fees, but will not be able to accept new submissions.
- The FDA will also stop many regulatory activities that don’t address “imminent threats to the safety of human life.” For instance, food safety efforts will be reduced during the shutdown, and the agency won’t be able to support much of the work done to protect Americans from unsafe and ineffective compounded drugs, the FDA said.
