Richard Danker, a senior public affairs official in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s team, resigned from his role at HHS over the FDA’s recent authorization of fruit-flavored vaping products. In a resignation letter addressed to President Donald Trump, Danker argued that the products could expose minors to nicotine addiction, lung damage, and increased cancer risks, while also conflicting with recent HHS guidance on youth risks associated with flavored nicotine products.

FDA CTP issued a May 7 statement on accelerating product review and improving PMTA efficiency, but did not push it via official X and newsletter until May 13, one day after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation was confirmed. FDA has not explained the delay, and no public evidence links it directly to the leadership change. The timing is notable given CTP’s usual 24-hour distribution practice.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that more than 18 million illegal e-cigarettes valued at over $175 million were seized during “Operation Red Mist,” a joint enforcement initiative involving the U.S. Coast Guard and the FDA. The operation primarily targeted maritime vape shipments originating from China and focused on combating illicit importation, transportation, and distribution activities.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated scientific review of renewal applications for 22nd Century Group’s VLN reduced-nicotine cigarettes under the Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) pathway, with current authorizations set to expire in December 2026.

British American Tobacco (BAT) shares rose sharply on May 12 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration signaled it would deprioritize enforcement against certain unauthorized e-cigarette and nicotine pouch products with accepted premarket applications. Investors viewed the move as favoring established players such as BAT’s Vuse and Velo brands.