Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump, a man known for his staunch opposition to alcohol and cigarettes, finds himself in an unexpected alliance with Big Tobacco, raking in millions for his top super PAC. In a twist that seems right out of a novel, Reynolds American, famous for its Newport menthol cigarettes, has emerged as the super PAC’s largest donor, contributing a staggering $8.5 million this election cycle. It appears Trump is mixing things up, to say the least, as he embraces cash from the very industry he doesn’t endorse.
This investment from Big Tobacco comes amidst their frantic efforts to stave off a potential ban on menthol cigarettes. The Biden administration has hit pause on this ban, but the specter of Vice President Kamala Harris continues to loom. Back in 2018, she made her stance clear in a letter supporting a complete ban on menthols, leaving many to wonder if her presidential ambitions would lead her to dust off that old agenda. For Reynolds American, it’s all about securing their future and betting on Trump to keep them in the menthol game.
Shame on Big Tobacco for spending millions to buy political influence and fight a ban on menthol cigarettes.
Once again they’re putting profit over lives. Political leaders must stand up to them and do the right thing.https://t.co/xGLN9lcvr5
— Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (@TobaccoFreeKids) September 18, 2024
The relationship isn’t completely out of left field. Back in late 2019, Trump had briefly entertained the notion of banning flavored e-cigarettes, including menthols, potentially swayed by Melania and Health Secretary Alex Azar’s health concerns for America’s youth. However, after realizing that flavor options were a hit with none other than his own supporters, he quickly reversed his position. Classic Trump – what’s better than a strong fiscal incentive to turn the tides of opposition?
Stephanie Grisham, a former Trump aide, pointed out that decisions were often made in haste, sometimes without adequate regulatory input. It seems the former president’s initial knee-jerk reaction to e-cigarette bans was more of a flashy announcement than a well-thought-out policy. In the midst of political maneuvering, Trump adjusted his strategy, which included eliminating methanol from the potential ban on flavored e-cigarettes shortly after he took office. Clearly, when it comes to navigating the tricky waters of tobacco politics, Trump appears to be learning on the go.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s pause on a menthol ban came after notable figures, such as Rev. Al Sharpton, stepped into the fray, arguing that such a ban would exacerbate tensions between law enforcement and communities predominantly tied to menthol cigarette consumption. It’s a testament to the bureaucratic chaos that fuels much of America’s policy-making – where the opinions of a celebrity can often outweigh the needs of the citizens to whom these policies apply. With Reynolds American banking on Trump to block that menthol ban, it seems the political play-by-play is just beginning, and it’s sure to have Americans raising their eyebrows.
