Congress Should Investigate Tobacco Industry Efforts to Influence Administration Policy on Tobacco

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids urges Congressional committees to investigate the tobacco industry’s efforts to buy influence over the Administration’s policies on tobacco products, especially in light of the serious allegations by a former White House and HHS senior advisor that key officials put political interests ahead of public health in making regulatory decisions about e-cigarettes.

The Administration has taken several actions in recent months that benefited the tobacco industry at the expense of public health, especially the health of our nation’s kids. In May, the FDA authorized the sale of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for the first time despite the clear scientific evidence and the FDA’s own repeated conclusions that flavors – especially fruit flavors – appeal to kids. Also in May, the FDA issued a new policy that allows some e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to remain on the market without the FDA scientific review and authorization required by law. This undermines FDA regulatory authority and responsibility and makes it easier for big tobacco companies to sell the two types of tobacco products most commonly used by youth. Then in September, responding to industry lawsuits, the FDA announced it is considering changes to its regulations governing the review of marketing applications for new tobacco products.

These actions followed well-documented tobacco industry efforts to influence Administration policy through extensive campaign contributions and lobbying, including a $5 million contribution from Reynolds American just before the May actions were announced. In addition to contributions during the 2024 election cycle, tobacco industry interests have contributed over $20 million in the past two years to Administration-aligned political committees, the White House ballroom project and inaugural committees.

A Congressional investigation is imperative to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the Administration’s actions and the tobacco industry’s efforts to buy political influence. FDA decisions regarding tobacco products must follow the science and the law and protect public health rather than the interests of an industry with a long history of addicting kids.