U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly rebuked FDA Commissioner Marty Makary for stalling the approval of flavored nicotine vapes. This internal clash at the White House stems from Trump’s urgency to fulfill his 2024 campaign pledge to “save vaping” and reverse a sharp decline in his approval ratings among young voters.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump and his advisers view Makary’s strict regulatory stance as a political liability. Advisers have explicitly linked the availability of flavored vapes to the administration’s standing with young “Make America Great Again” supporters. Recent polls indicate the president’s approval rating among Gen Z has plummeted to just 24 percent.
Historically, the FDA has maintained a high burden of proof for flavored products. Regulators argue that sweet profiles—such as the blueberry and mango flavors recently blocked from manufacturer Glas—disproportionately attract underage users.
Currently, the U.S. legal vape market remains highly restricted:
- Only 41 vape products hold official FDA authorization.
- All approved products are strictly limited to tobacco or menthol flavors.
- Regulators require heavy evidence that new flavors benefit adult smokers without appealing to youth.
While the White House publicly claims Trump is “thrilled” with Makary’s performance, insiders suggest the Commissioner’s job security may be threatened. Discussions between Trump and Makary have reportedly taken place regarding a potential course correction, and Makary may be weighing a more open approach to flavor approvals to align with the administration’s political goals.
