Biden Administration Indefinitely Delays Menthol Cigarette Ban Over Black Voter Backlash Concern

Following repeated delays by previous administrations, President Joe Biden’s administration has indefinitely postponed a long-awaited ban on menthol cigarettes proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has attempted to eliminate menthol several times but encountered opposition from Big Tobacco, legislators, as well as other competing political interests during the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. This decision may help avoid a potential backlash among Black voters ahead of November’s elections since mint-flavored cigarettes are predominantly used by young people and minorities, particularly African Americans, who represent 85% of black smokers compared to just one third of white smokers. Both Biden and former President Donald Trump have been vying for the support of Black voters, causing scrutiny from Republicans and Democrats in advance of the fall election regarding the ban’s potential impact. The FDA has argued that menthol masks cigarette harshness, making it easier to start smoking and harder to quit; however, as a result of this law passed back in 2009 granting authority over tobacco products to the FDA, only flavored cigarettes other than menthol are prohibited for sale. While there’s no specific timeline on when exactly any such ban may occur announced by Health Secretary Xavier Becerra (who is also of Mexican descent), it will likely face legal challenges from tobacco companies after being implemented. Over the course of several meetings with a multitude of organizations opposed to the menthol cigarette ban, including civil rights groups, law enforcement officials and small business owners who have financial ties to tobacco firms, Biden’s administration has been considering feedback in recent months prior to this announcement made on Friday.