Jim Jones, head of the FDA’s food division, has resigned in protest following mass firings carried out by the Trump administration. His departure comes after thousands of employees within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including many in the FDA’s food program, were dismissed over the weekend.
Jones, who had served as FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, announced his resignation on Monday. In his resignation letter, he expressed frustration over the firings, stating that they made it “fruitless for me to continue in this role.”
He had initially been looking forward to advancing initiatives aimed at improving public health through diet and chemical safety regulations but felt the administration’s actions made his efforts untenable.
The White House responded to Jones’ resignation, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasizing President Trump’s commitment to appointing only the most qualified individuals who align with his America First agenda. Leavitt acknowledged that the administration’s direction “is not for everyone, and that’s okay.”
Jones’ resignation marks a significant shake-up in the FDA, which plays a critical role in ensuring food safety, conducting inspections, and overseeing recalls.
His departure follows sweeping cuts across federal agencies under Trump’s leadership, aimed at reducing bureaucracy and eliminating officials seen as obstacles to the administration’s policy goals.
It remains unclear whether Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was sworn in last Thursday, has an immediate replacement for Jones.
Kennedy met with HHS staff on Tuesday morning as part of a welcome ceremony, but no official statements have been made regarding the leadership of the FDA’s food division.
Jones had led the FDA’s food division since 2023 after spending over 30 years at the Environmental Protection Agency. His exit is part of a broader restructuring effort within the federal government, as the Trump administration continues to reshape agencies to align with its priorities.