Trump reportedly pressed FDA chief to authorize mango and blueberry vapes after years of rejection
Fortune • • business
Key Points:
- The FDA under President Donald Trump has authorized the sale of fruit-flavored vape products from Glas Inc., including menthol, mango, and blueberry flavors containing 5% tobacco-derived nicotine, marking a shift from the Biden administration's restrictive stance on flavored vapes.
- This authorization comes after Trump reportedly pressured FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary to approve these products, contrasting with Biden-era policies that rejected millions of flavored vape applications to protect youth.
- The FDA cited Glas Inc.’s device access restrictions and marketing limitations as measures to prevent underage use, while anti-smoking groups expressed concern that flavored vapes could lead to increased addiction among youth.
- Trump’s position on flavored vapes has evolved since 2019, when he initially supported banning them to protect youth but later softened his stance following industry lobbying and campaign donations from tobacco subsidiaries.
- Public health advocates emphasize the FDA’s responsibility to rigorously monitor the marketing and use of authorized vape products to balance adult smoking cessation benefits against the risks to young people.
