Marty Makary's Irrational Resistance to Flavored Nicotine Vapes Drove His FDA Resignation |
Vaping
Marty Makary's Irrational Resistance to Flavored Nicotine Vapes Drove His FDA Resignation
On the subject of tobacco harm reduction, the former commissioner let his emotions override his avowed commitment to following the science.
Jacob Sullum | 5.12.2026 5:15 PM
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Former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary (Michael Brochstein/Zuma Press/Newscom/Envato)
A week ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the marketing of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) made by Glas, a Los Angeles company that specializes in devices that incorporate age verification technology. "The authorized pods include Classic Menthol, Fresh Menthol, Gold, and Sapphire," the FDA noted. "This action marks the FDA's first authorization of non-tobacco and non-menthol ENDS products."
That decision was significant because the FDA had previously frowned upon nicotine vaping products in flavors other than tobacco and menthol, viewing them as dangerously appealing to minors. It was also too much for FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who resigned on Tuesday, reportedly because he disapproved of the policy shift.
While running for president in 2024, Donald Trump bragged that he "saved flavored vaping" during his first term and promised that he would "save vaping again." But from the beginning, Makary did not seem on board with that agenda.
Testifying before a Senate appropriations subcommittee in May 2025, Makary hyped the threat posed by underage vaping. In comments he highlighted on his official X account, Makary averred that "there are high schools in America now where kids are saying half of the kids........