U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly rebuked FDA Commissioner Marty Makary for stalling the approval of flavored nicotine vapes. This internal White House pressure aligns with Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to “save” vaping and coincides with the FDA’s recent authorization of four new Glas vape products equipped with strict age-verification technology.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump’s advisors have framed Makary as an obstacle to the administration’s goals. The President has emphasized the importance of flavored vaping products to young voters, prompting discussions about Makary potentially shifting the agency’s stance on flavor approvals.
Historically, the FDA has resisted approving fruit or candy flavors, demanding heavy evidence that they benefit adult smokers without appealing to youth. Prior to this week, only 41 vape products were permitted for sale, all limited to tobacco or menthol flavors.
Amidst this political pressure, the FDA authorized four Glas electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products through the PMTA pathway. The approved 5% nicotine pods include:
- Classic Menthol
- Fresh Menthol
- Gold
- Sapphire
This decision marks a significant milestone, expanding the U.S. registry of legally marketed vaping products to 45 and introducing options beyond traditional tobacco and menthol profiles.
The FDA justified the Glas authorization based on the manufacturer’s device access restriction technology. To use the vape, consumers must pass age verification via a government ID, smartphone pairing, and biometric checks.
Dr. Bret Koplow, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, called these restrictions a “potential game changer” for preventing youth addiction while expanding flavored options for adult smokers. The FDA warned that authorizations could be withdrawn if youth usage increases or compliance fails.
- Trump Pressures FDA on Flavored Vapes as Glas PMTA Approved - May 6, 2026
- Belgium to Ban Flavored Vapes by 2028 - May 1, 2026
- UK Parliament Passes Historic Tobacco Ban for Anyone Born After 2008 - April 22, 2026