Key Points
- RFK Jr. aide resigns over vapes;
- Fruit-flavored approvals spark controversy;
- FDA recently authorized Glas products;
- Internal regulatory divisions deepen.
2Firsts
May 15, 2026
According to ABC News, Richard Danker, assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), resigned over the FDA’s recent authorization of fruit-flavored vaping products.
In a resignation letter addressed to President Donald Trump and reviewed by ABC News, Danker argued that the products could expose children and adolescents to “nicotine addiction, lung damage, and a higher risk of cancer.”
He also said the authorizations undermined recent HHS guidance related to youth risks associated with flavored nicotine products.
Danker previously served in economic regulatory roles, including as a senior adviser at the U.S. Treasury Department during Trump’s first administration.
ABC News reported that Danker did not work in healthcare prior to joining HHS.
Responding to the resignation, an HHS spokesperson said Kennedy continues advancing the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda focused on combating chronic disease and improving children’s health.
The spokesperson stated:
“Political appointees are here to execute that mission with urgency, discipline, and focus.”
The statement added:
“Individuals who lose sight of the mission and the responsibility they were entrusted with are free to move on from the agency.”
ABC News reported that the resignation comes shortly after former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary also left office following clashes with the White House over flavored vape approvals.
Multiple media outlets previously reported that the Trump administration had pushed the FDA to approve more flavored vaping products, while Makary opposed authorizations involving fruit flavors.
The FDA recently authorized four vaping products made by Glas, including classic menthol, fresh menthol, gold, and sapphire pods.
The “gold” pods are mango-flavored, while “sapphire” pods are blueberry-flavored.
Although the FDA has said it continues prioritizing enforcement against illicit vapes targeting minors, industry observers widely viewed the flavored product approvals as a significant shift in U.S. vaping regulation.
Makary previously told ABC News:
“There is not an approved vaping product in the United States that has one of these cutie-fruity flavors.”
（Cover Image：Richard Danker｜Image source: ABC News）
