STAT+: Senate inquiry suggests Trump administration softened kratom and tobacco policies in quid pro quo

The top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee launched an inquiry into the Trump administration’s recent actions on flavored vapes and kratom products, alleging a pattern of quid pro quos after the tobacco and kratom industries made large donations to the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Both industries will flood gas stations and convenience stores with products that pique the curiosity of kids and teens and launch them into addiction,” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) writes in an Aug. 3 letter to Kennedy, who is now President Trump’s health secretary. Wyden adds, “You have yet to draw a line in the sand and buck corporate interests to Make America Healthy Again.” The Senate investigation includes Kennedy as well as the heads of Reynolds American and kratom company Botanic Tonics, asking for written responses and documentation by Aug. 31. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe