(DC Pundit) – In a move that has left health advocates fuming and freedom enthusiasts cheering, the Trump administration has officially extinguished the Biden-era plan to ban menthol cigarettes. It seems the new administration believes adults should have the right to choose their own flavor of slow, expensive death.
The Biden administration had grand plans to implement the ban early last year, but in a classic case of political cold feet, they postponed it until after the election. Heaven forbid they lose votes over something as trivial as public health!
Fast forward to the present day, and the Trump administration has decided to let the menthol smokers of America breathe easy – or as easy as one can with tar-coated lungs. On January 21st, just 48 hours into Trump’s second stint at the White House, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quietly withdrew the rule that would have banned menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
The Hill reported on this reversal of fortune for menthol enthusiasts everywhere. “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has withdrawn a rule that would have banned menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, putting a formal end to a policy that had been indefinitely delayed under the Biden administration,” they stated.
This ban was unfairly targeted at black Americans, who heavily favor menthol cigarettes. Smoking continues to decline, but people have the right to make their own decisions.
— Keith Mattox (@KeithWMattox) January 24, 2025
Trump just killed Biden's menthol cigarette ban.
Good.
The government shouldn't tell you you can't smoke menthol cigarettes.
— Ross is Free. Eat a Dick. (@DenifLewesa) January 24, 2025
Public health groups, who had been salivating at the prospect of saving hundreds of thousands of lives (particularly among Black smokers), are understandably miffed. Kelsey Romeo-Stuppy, managing attorney at Action on Smoking and Health, declared: “There is no justifiable reason to withdraw the FDA’s proposed rule to ban menthol.”
But let’s not forget, folks – this is America, land of the free and home of the brave smokers. Trump, ever the champion of personal liberty, seems to believe that the government has no business telling adults what they can and can’t inhale.
It’s worth noting that the menthol cigarette ban was a particularly thorny issue for the Biden administration. On one hand, they had the backing of public health experts who argued that banning menthol could save lives and reduce health disparities. On the other hand, they faced criticism from those who saw the ban as government overreach and potentially harmful to Black communities, where menthol cigarettes are particularly popular.
The Trump administration’s decision to withdraw the ban could be seen as a win for some civil rights advocates who argued that the ban would disproportionately affect Black smokers and potentially lead to increased policing in Black communities.
In any case, smokers of America, rejoice! Your minty fresh freedom is safe… for now.
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