WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued guidance in early May permitting flavored electronic cigarettes to remain on the market. The guidance was issued after repeated White House intervention in the FDA approval process.
President Donald Trump increased his holdings in Philip Morris International in 2026, reaching a value of up to $1.64 million. In January 2026, Trump sold between $500,000 and $1,000,000 in Altria stock. He made eight separate purchases of Philip Morris or Altria stock in March 2026. A disclosure form with Trump's signature indicated these March stock purchases had a value of up to $275,000. Federal campaign records show tobacco interests donated $6 million to MAGA Inc. in 2025.
The Trump administration launched programs during the administration to accelerate the market entry of vapes and nicotine pouches. The administration also broadened enforcement actions against illicit e-cigarettes and reduced the number of public health employees focused on anti-tobacco policy. The Vapor Technology Association met with the White House in April to express its concerns.
Harold Wimmer, CEO of the American Lung Association, criticized the FDA's decision, stating that it ignores scientific evidence. "After years of recognizing the dangers flavored e-cigarettes pose to youth, it is deeply troubling to see FDA ignore the scientific evidence and reverse course," Wimmer said. Mitch Zeller, former head of the FDA tobacco center, said, "I think it's blatantly illegal, both on its merits and also procedurally, because it was issued as a final guidance without even giving the public an opportunity to comment on it." White House spokesperson Kush Desai said, "The only guiding factor behind the Trump administration's health policymaking is Gold Standard Science." Desai said, "FDA's regulatory treatment of nicotine pouches and vapes is rooted in recent evidence that has found that these products can help adults quit smoking."
The tobacco company Reynolds American donated $5 million to MAGA Inc. on April 30. Marty Makary was removed from his position as FDA commissioner. Federal campaign records indicate MAGA Inc. has received over $20 million from the tobacco industry since late 2023.