Former President Donald Trump recently announced his intention to "save vaping again," a statement that marks a significant pivot from his previous stance during his presidency. This article explores the implications of Trump's announcement, the evolution of his policies on vaping, and the broader context surrounding this issue.
Trump's Shift in Position
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed, "I saved flavored vaping in 2019, and it greatly helped people get off smoking." He criticized current President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their alleged desire to ban vaping products, asserting that such actions harm small businesses across the country. Trump's promise to "save vaping again" suggests a renewed commitment to the vaping industry if he returns to office in 2024.Historical Context
Trump's relationship with vaping has been complex. Initially, in 2019, he described vaping as a "problem" and proposed measures to restrict flavored vape products amid rising concerns about youth vaping. His administration's response included raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 and implementing a partial ban on flavored e-cigarettes. This partial ban allowed menthol flavors to remain available while restricting sweet and fruity flavors, which were seen as appealing to younger users.In early 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enacted regulations that required companies to submit premarket tobacco applications (PMTAs) for flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes. Despite these restrictions, vape shops were allowed to sell a wide range of flavored liquids in open-tank systems, which are primarily used by adults.Recent Developments
Trump's recent comments come at a time when the FDA has begun granting marketing orders for menthol-flavored e-cigarette products, signaling a shift towards more lenient regulations. In June 2024, Njoy LLC received authorization for several menthol-flavored products, marking the first time non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes have been approved by the FDA. However, these approvals do not imply that the products are safe; they merely indicate that they can be legally sold in the U.S..Implications of Trump's Announcement
Trump's renewed support for flavored vaping products is viewed by some as a strategic move to appeal to voters who use these products. The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) expressed gratitude for Trump's past actions that they believe have helped reduce youth vaping rates while allowing adults access to safer alternatives. According to recent data, youth vaping rates have significantly declined since 2019, which advocates attribute partly to the regulatory landscape established during Trump's presidency.However, critics argue that Trump's latest pledge may be more about political expediency than genuine concern for public health. Observers note that his shift in stance often aligns with meetings with wealthy donors from industries he previously criticized—suggesting a transactional nature to his policy changes.