Days after a division chief at the Food and Drug Administration resigned amid accusations that he used his federal power to seek revenge on a former business associate, the scandal took on a new life. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation's health secretary, and his top deputies brought the matter to the White House as evidence that the F.D.A.'s leadership was in chaos. The group, led by Jim O'Neill, the deputy health secretary and a former Silicon Valley investor, aired their grievances to Susie Wiles, the chief of staff for President Trump, according to people familiar with the meeting. They then turned to staff members of the Domestic Policy Council, the people said.

The meetings took aim at Dr. Marty Makary, the commissioner of the F.D.A. who was appointed by Mr. Kennedy. However, the White House rebuffed what some have viewed as a coup attempt against him, according to those who have knowledge of the sessions. The result was a fragile truce, but it offered a window into the turmoil at the top reaches of the Department of Health and Human Services, where Mr. Kennedy's niche projects and infighting among staff members have taken precedence over seismic policy problems.

According to sources, the division chief's resignation was a culmination of a long-standing dispute with a former business associate, who had been accused of engaging in unapproved business practices. The division chief had allegedly used his federal power to seek revenge on the associate, which led to a heated debate among F.D.A. officials. "This is a clear example of the abuse of power and the lack of accountability within the F.D.A.," said a senior administration official, who wished to remain anonymous. "We cannot have individuals using their positions to exact revenge on others."

The F.D.A. has been facing increasing scrutiny in recent months, with critics accusing the agency of being slow to respond to emerging health threats and prioritizing the interests of pharmaceutical companies over public health. Dr. Makary, who has been a vocal advocate for the F.D.A.'s independence, has been at the center of the controversy. "The F.D.A. is not a political agency, and we must ensure that our decisions are guided by science and evidence, not politics," Dr. Makary said in a statement.

The White House has defended Dr. Makary, stating that he has been a strong leader and has taken bold steps to improve the F.D.A.'s transparency and accountability. However, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the agency's leadership and the potential for conflicts of interest. "We need to ensure that the F.D.A. is functioning effectively and efficiently, and that its decisions are guided by the public interest, not personal agendas," said Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine.

The current status of the F.D.A. remains uncertain, with some officials predicting a shake-up in the agency's leadership in the coming weeks. The White House has announced plans to conduct a thorough review of the F.D.A.'s operations and policies, which could lead to significant changes. As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the F.D.A.'s leadership is facing intense scrutiny, and the agency's future is far from certain.