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Normale Ansicht

How Kratom, an Addictive Gas Station Drug, Found Allies in Trump’s Cabinet

With support from Markwayne Mullin and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the kratom industry is pursuing a potentially lucrative policy. Mr. Mullin owns equity in a company that could benefit.

© Nick Oxford for The New York Times

Bottles of Feel Free, a kratom product produced by Botanic Tonics, displayed at a smoke shop in Oklahoma City last month.

A $5 Million Donation From Big Tobacco Preceded F.D.A. Vape Decision

Reynolds American’s contribution to MAGA Inc. came about one week before the Trump administration announced a new policy on e-cigarettes the company had sought.

© Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

The F.D.A. has issued new guidance that could pave the way for major tobacco companies including Reynolds American to begin selling flavored vapes.

Top Drug Regulator Is Fired From the F.D.A.

Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg said she did not know who had fired her or why, but the dismissal came amid tumult at the agency in recent days.

© Anne Chadwick Williams for The New York Times

Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg’s hiring had startled public health leaders familiar with her track record as a vaccine skeptic. But she defended her record at the Food and Drug Administration on Friday, saying she “stuck with the science.”

With a Friend in Trump, the Tobacco Industry Secures a Lucrative Win

In a dispute over vapes, the president sided with tobacco companies that filled his groups’ coffers over his own F.D.A. commissioner, who resigned in protest.

© Getty Images

The F.D.A. issued new guidance that could pave the way for major tobacco companies to begin selling flavored vapes less than a week after industry executives met with President Trump.

Rich Danker, RFK Jr.’s Top Spokesman, Resigns in Protest Over New Vaping Policy

13. Mai 2026 um 18:10
In a letter to President Trump, the spokesman, Rich Danker, said allowing the sale of flavored e-cigarettes would enhance their appeal to children.

© Michael A. McCoy for The New York Times

The resignation comes at a fraught time for the Department of Health and Human Services, which now has three major vacancies.

With a Friend in Trump, the Tobacco Industry Secures a Lucrative Win

In a dispute over vapes, the president sided with tobacco companies that filled his groups’ coffers over his own F.D.A. commissioner, who resigned in protest.

© Getty Images

The F.D.A. issued new guidance that could pave the way for major tobacco companies to begin selling flavored vapes less than a week after industry executives met with President Trump.

Marty Makary, Trump’s F.D.A. Commissioner, Resigns After Weeks of Pressure

13. Mai 2026 um 14:28
The agency’s top food official will step in to the role after Dr. Makary privately said he opposed the administration decision to approve flavored vapes.

© Al Drago for The New York Times

Dr. Marty Makary at times tried to advance his own principles alongside the administration’s goals, which at times were at odds with the powerful food, tobacco and pharmaceutical industries.

Trump Plans to Fire F.D.A. Commissioner Marty Makary

Dr. Makary has been a supporter of the Make American Healthy Again Movement but made some enemies in the administration over vaping, the abortion pill and rejections of new drugs.

© Eric Lee/The New York Times

Dr. Marty Makary, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, at the White House last year.
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