The Food and Drug Administration has issued controversial new guidance favoring major tobacco companies just days after Reynolds American donated $5 million to a Trump-backed super PAC. This rapid policy shift followed a private meeting between tobacco executives and President Trump, directly leading to the resignation of FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.
The sequence of events highlights a rapid and significant victory for a tobacco industry that has been on the defensive for years. The timeline unfolded over a matter of days:
- April 30: A Reynolds subsidiary donated $5 million to MAGA Inc.
- May 2: Executives from Reynolds and Altria dined with President Trump in Jupiter, Florida, expressing dissatisfaction with FDA regulations. Trump subsequently called Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz to complain about the agency’s stance.
- The Following Week: The FDA bypassed its regular rule-making process to issue new guidance. This policy paves the way for major tobacco companies to sell flavored vapes and higher-nicotine pouches while prioritizing enforcement against illegal foreign imports.
- Four Days Later: FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary resigned, telling associates he could not in good conscience lead an agency backing such a policy.
While there is no definitive evidence explicitly linking the donation to the policy change, the timing has drawn intense scrutiny. The White House has denied any connection. Spokesman Kush Desai stated that the administration’s health policymaking is guided by “gold standard science,” arguing that the new regulatory treatment is rooted in evidence that vapes can help adults quit smoking.
MAGA Inc., which reported raising $9.6 million last month, stated it is pleased to accept legal contributions from supporters of the president’s agenda. Reynolds has been a major financial supporter, previously donating $10 million to a separate Trump-aligned super PAC and contributing to private funds for a White House ballroom.
The new vape guidance is the latest in a series of administration moves benefiting the tobacco industry. Previously, the Trump administration withdrew a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and set aside a Biden-era proposal designed to sharply restrict nicotine levels in traditional cigarettes. These shifts are considered crucial for the survival of companies like Reynolds as traditional cigarette sales continue to decline.
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