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FIRST ON FOX President Trump is poised to launch a “nicotine freedom crusade” aimed at dismantling Biden-era regulations concerning nicotine and tobacco products. Experts suggest that this move could lead to the reversal of a significant rule impacting nicotine levels in cigarettes and other tobacco items.
Just before assuming office, Biden’s FDA unveiled a proposal characterized as a “bold” initiative to limit nicotine in cigarettes and selected combusted tobacco products to make them minimally or nonaddictive. The FDA aimed to cap nicotine levels at a maximum of 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco, a measure intended to diminish addiction potential.
According to the FDA, lower nicotine concentrations would significantly reduce the ability of these products to create or sustain addiction. However, detractors express skepticism about the proposal, arguing that the implications effectively ban cigarettes, which they claim contradicts the FDA’s assertion that it would not impose a ban.
Critics Call for Change
Rich Marianos, a former assistant director of the ATF and now executive director of the Tobacco Law Enforcement Network, criticized the Biden administration’s approach. He described their legacy on tobacco policy as one rife with ineffective regulations and said it has resulted in a proliferation of illicit markets. Marianos stated that Trump could conclude this “failed era” by eliminating the proposal.
Peter Brennan, executive director of the New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association, echoed Marianos’ sentiments. He emphasized that excessive tobacco regulations hurt small businesses by diverting sales to illegal markets. Brennan warned that Biden’s plan to restrict cigarette sales poses a serious threat to their viability.
Prospects Under Trump
The Trump administration has already taken steps in the past to favor less restrictive policies surrounding nicotine. This includes withdrawing proposals for a menthol cigarette ban, which had been supported by the Biden administration following advocacy from anti-smoking organizations. As a result, the fate of menthol cigarettes remains uncertain.
The FDA’s developments in tobacco regulation have also led to significant personnel changes. For instance, FDA Tobacco Director Brian King, who was seen as a pivotal player in pursuing a more aggressive tobacco control agenda under the Biden administration, was removed earlier this year. Some experts have described this shift as a positive development for those favoring less regulation.
Potential Political Impact
Political analysts suggest that Biden’s perception as waging a “war on nicotine” along with the influx of illicit vaping products from international markets could have adversely impacted his political fortunes and those of Vice President Kamala Harris. The fallout from these policies may have negative repercussions for their respective campaigns.
In parallel, if Trump succeeds in rolling back the proposed rule on limiting nicotine in cigarettes, it would serve as a substantial victory for his supporters. A source close to the Trump administration noted that such a move would resonate particularly well with working-class constituents who oppose stringent regulations on tobacco products.
Looking Ahead
The unfolding dynamic in tobacco policy reflects the broader ideological divide between the two parties regarding regulation and public health. While proponents of stricter tobacco regulations argue that they are necessary to protect public health and curb addiction, opponents claim that these policies threaten individual freedoms and harm local businesses.
As Trump re-engages with nicotine and tobacco issues, the discussions surrounding these regulations will likely intensify. Observers suggest that many anticipate a determined effort by the Trump administration to cement its legislative stance on these issues.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FDA for further comments on the development of these rules and their implications for tobacco policy moving forward.
Fox News Digital’s Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.
