Washington, D.C. – Friday, February 20, 2026: “VTA applauds the Kansas Legislature for advancing Senate Bill 355, legislation that takes meaningful, common-sense steps to protect Kansas youth from the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes; a bill that stands in stark contrast to the ineffective PMTA registry bills that have circulated in statehouses across the country. 

For years, VTA has called on state legislators to adopt smart youth protection laws that can actually make a difference. Kansas Senate Bill 355 does exactly that. The bill explicitly prohibits marketing e-cigarettes to minors by banning cartoon characters, youth-oriented imagery, celebrity endorsements, and entertainment features from packaging and advertising. These are substantive measures that will make a real difference, directly targeting the tactics of bad actors while protecting adult vapers’ freedom of choice. 

Too many states have been pushed to adopt PMTA registry bills that do nothing to address youth appeal, restrict deceptive marketing, or close age verification loopholes — the factors that drive youth access to e-cigarettes in the first place. 

VTA looks forward to working with the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly to ensure effective implementation of this law. We call on legislators in other states to follow Kansas’ lead by adopting proven policies to reduce youth access while preserving the right of adult consumers to access less harmful alternatives to cigarettes.” 

Statement attributable to Tony Abboud, Executive Director

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Washington, D.C. – Thursday, February 12, 2026: On Tuesday, the FDA held a Roundtable on Premarket Tobacco Application (PMTA) Submissions for Electronic Delivery Systems (ENDS) Products. The Vapor Technology Association welcomed the opportunity for our members and other small businesses to participate and advocate on behalf of our industry, face-to-face with leadership at the FDA. 

We hoped to have a constructive, collaborative conversation that would advance a clear and fair regulatory approach that is grounded in scientific standards, predictability, and common sense. A standards-based framework would enable American companies to plan and invest in life-saving technologies, and would create an efficient process for the review and approval of lawful, American-made vapor products, including e-liquids and open-system devices. Scientific predictability and transparency are the only way to create a prosperous free market for life-saving vaping products – something President Trump’s administration typically supports as it’s in clear alignment with his America First policy agenda. 

Small businesses made it completely clear that they wanted and needed transparent and objective scientific standards governing how vape products should be made and how they should perform. VTA was pleased to hear Commissioner Makary acknowledge the need for scientific standards and predictability for small businesses. Unfortunately, we were disappointed by so many FDA representatives throughout the meeting who either argued for continued scientific ambiguity or completely rejected standards. Their comments signaled a lack of alignment among FDA leadership on providing clear and predictable scientific standards or guidance for our industry – or even benchmarks that would ensure product and consumer safety. We received no guarantee of additional clarity on the broken and opaque PMTA rule and process, which has been used to prevent access to the products that Americans who smoke want and need to quit smoking deadly cigarettes. 

While VTA applauds the FDA’s effort to engage with stakeholders, we hope that this roundtable is the first of many steps towards meaningful action, not the full extent. 

Statement attributable to Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association.

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Yesterday, in Vapor Technology Association, et al. v. Spencer, et al., Judge Monet Gaines granted our request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the enforcement of Alabama House Bill 8 on the basis that the law is unconstitutional under the Foreign Commerce Clause and unconstitutional due to preemption. Today’s TRO extends to the plaintiffs in the case and VTA members.

This ruling marks an important step in our ongoing fight to protect small businesses from unfair and overreaching laws and regulations. While this is a temporary measure, it provides some critical relief for the many local vape retailers and distributors in Alabama working hard to serve adult consumers and stay afloat in a challenging environment. 

VTA will continue to lead the fight in courts across the country, defending the rights of small businesses, promoting innovation, and standing up for the 500,000 Americans who die every year from cigarette-related illnesses by advocating for access to safer vaping alternatives. However, it’s imperative that the Trump Administration prioritizes the adoption of new, common-sense, and streamlined scientific federal requirements that will protect American citizens and American business moving forward.

Statement attributable to Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association.

Washington, D.C. – Monday, July 14, 2025: Today, the Vapor Technology Association (VTA) launched a massive seven-figure cable, broadcast, and digital advertising campaign urging President Donald Trump and his administration to draw a firm distinction between illicit youth-targeting vapor products and the safer, adult-focused alternatives that help millions of Americans quit smoking cigarettes. 

VTA’s national ad buy will air across major networks including Fox News, Newsmax, Bloomberg, NBC, ESPN, and high-profile Sunday news programs on select broadcast networks to reach a wide and influential stakeholder audience. The ads are strategically designed to target key decision-makers in Washington, D.C. and at President Trump’s Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. With this campaign, VTA is sending a clear and direct message: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are acting against President Trump’s wishes to save the flavored vaping industry. 

The campaign highlights the need to crack down on illicit Chinese vapor products that target youth with video games, apps, and cartoon imagery all while protecting the responsible, adult-oriented vapor products sold by American small businesses – a policy position for which VTA has long advocated. 

“VTA is calling on President Trump to take aggressive action targeting Chinese vape products that target our kids and evade FDA safety checks,” said Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association. “But, we also urge him to keep his promise to protect the multibillion-dollar independent U.S. vaping industry, save tens of thousands of small businesses across the country struggling to survive under FDA’s latest actions, and ensure adults retain access to the vape products they are using to quit smoking – all of which are in jeopardy now. Despite attempts by some in the media and, specifically, advertising executives who attempted to censor our policy statements and longstanding advocacy positions, VTA and the member companies we represent will not stand down to the opposition. We are taking our fight right to them, and we are confident our message and campaign will resonate with the Trump administration and the millions of vaping voters who support him.” 

Right now, VTA recognizes that rogue bureaucrats and an overreaching FDA is deputizing CBP to interdict virtually all vape products at the border, an effort which is disrupting the entire independent U.S. vape distribution chain and is in direct opposition to President Trump’s promise to save this industry. Instead of targeting vapor products marketed towards our youth, these agencies are focused on shutting down legally operating independent American vape businesses that help adults quit smoking. VTA’s campaign reiterates our call for streamlined regulations that allow the tens of thousands of small businesses that make up this industry to thrive and encourages President Trump and his team to stand up for consumer choice. 

VTA’s engagement with the Trump administration continues in our pursuit of the following policy priorities: collaborating with the FDA to end former President Biden’s illegal vape regulation and replace it with a scientific, streamlined regulatory guidance focused on product safety; supporting enforcement actions against illicit Chinese vapor products and implementing common-sense marketing restrictions; and developing a transparent set of guidelines to facilitate product entry into the country and protect tens of thousands of American businesses. 

VTA’s campaign is meant to reinforce the association’s long-standing commitment to reducing youth vaping while safeguarding access to safer vaping alternatives for the tens of millions of American adults trying to quit smoking – and defending the thousands of jobs supported by independent vape companies nationwide. The campaign also sends a clear message: the FDA’s actions are out of step with President Trump’s stated priorities, and it’s time for the agency to correct course and follow President Trump’s agenda – not former President Biden’s. 

To watch VTA’s broadcast placement, please visit this link.

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A nationwide survey reveals President Trump’s voters’ strong support for his promise to “save flavored vaping” and opposition to the Biden administration’s attempts to deprive consumers of flavored vapes.

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) today released new survey data from pollster and former advisor to President Trump, Kellyanne Conway, revealing that President Trump’s commitment to reverse former President Biden’s flavored vaping ban resonates strongly with a clear majority of his voters.

The nationwide survey of 1,001 2024 Trump voters, conducted April 11-14, 2025, reveals that a majority of them agree with President Trump’s commitment to allow adults access to these products while implementing guardrails that prevent youth access. Trump voters also agree that U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reform should prioritize streamlined rules to promote harm reduction and fair competition for smaller companies, instead of a Biden administration-era agenda which only authorized vaping products for larger companies.

“President Trump’s voters, which represent a majority of the nation, continue to reject outright, unnecessary bans on products like flavored vapes,” said Kellyanne Conway. “Biden was the Ban Man. President Trump is building on his first term success of balancing adult access to vaping products, including those who wish to mitigate or eliminate smoking, with protecting minors. This survey shows that Trump voters favored widespread, common-sense reform, to an already overregulated industry, that would allow small businesses to compete in a free market. Support for these reforms is especially high among key groups, such as men, young adults, vape users, and low-income voters – all of whom were critical to President Trump’s 2024 electoral win.”

A bold public education campaign promoting safer alternatives to cigarettes, like vaping products or nicotine pouches, is supported by a majority (about 70%) of President Trump’s voters. While Biden’s FDA implemented a politicized campaign to spread misinformation about vaping products, Trump voters value the president’s prioritization of more pressing concerns – such as securing the southern border – rather than continued efforts to implement Biden’s de facto, unnecessary ban on vaping products entering the country. This support is an endorsement of his ongoing efforts to reduce the federal government’s regulatory burden.

“Kellyanne Conway’s polling of Trump voters demonstrates that the same people who elected President Trump stand firmly behind him on the issue of vaping. Trump voters understand that gross overregulation, such as vaping bans – a linchpin of the Biden administration – would only destroy businesses across Main Street America,” said Tony Abboud, executive director of VTA. “Saving flavored vaping resonates with Trump voters because it is a fundamentally America-first policy. Banning flavored vapes based on their country of origin, as some of have suggested is appropriate, will destroy American jobs, market competition, and will unfairly punish U.S. small businesses across this great country – which 62% of Trump voters say should not happen.”

These survey results, released today by VTA and Kellyanne Conway, once again prove the public support for a dramatic change in American vaping policy. President Trump’s voters believe that the FDA’s massive overregulation of the vaping industry must end. There is broad support (70%) for streamlined and affordable FDA oversight of this industry that is rooted in hard science, not political science.

Key Findings:

Independent Vaping Industry Viewed as Local Businesses, Mom & Pop Shops

Voters distinguish between small vape shop owners and cigarette companies. Many believe local retailers are being unfairly punished for relying on global supply chains that are common across industries.

• A majority (62%) agree that American small businesses should not be penalized because all vape products are made in China—a reality common to everything from phones to appliances. Agreement is particularly strong amongst younger voters (69%), vape users (73%), and parents with teens (63%).
• Most voters (67%) say the government should promote nicotine alternatives like vaping and pouches to help adults quit smoking.

Widespread Backing for Trump’s Written Promise to Pledge to “Save Vaping” and Reverse Biden’s Ban

President Trump’s commitment to reverse Biden’s flavored vaping ban resonates with a clear majority of his voters. Nearly two-thirds support his promise, including a strong base of those who say they “strongly support” the promise.

• Overall, 65% support Trump keeping his promise to save vaping, with 41% saying they strongly support it. Just 20% oppose. Support is especially high among men (71%), younger adults (70%), vape users (70%), and low-income (61%) and high-income (73%) voters.
• 71% support streamlining the FDA’s approval process based on objective scientific testing, not politics.
• Another 72% support ensuring the FDA’s process is affordable enough for small businesses to compete with Big Tobacco.

Trump Voters View a Vape Ban as an Attack on Freedom of Choice

For many, this issue is bigger than vaping—it’s about protecting adults’ ability to make their own choices. Calls for banning flavored vapes is widely seen as an example of government going too far, and a warning sign of what could be next.

• A full 71% agree that reversing Biden’s flavored vaping ban would restore American adults’ freedom of choice.
• Another 65% agree that banning flavored vapes and nicotine pouches creates a slippery slope for future restrictions on products they use and enjoy.

Federal Overreach on Vaping Mirrors the Bureaucracy Voters Want Trump to Dismantle

Voters tie vaping regulations to the same kind of Washington red tape Trump has promised to eliminate across other industries. His deregulatory track record is seen as consistent and welcome here too.

• 3-in-4 voters (76%) agree that reducing over burdensome vaping regulations would be consistent with what President Trump has done on the crypto, artificial intelligence, tobacco, and energy industries, and would be consistent with his commitment to allow the free market to flourish and get government out of the way.
• 68% agree these rules should be reviewed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency as part of Trump’s push to cut unconstitutional red tape.

A Better Way: Voters Prefer Guardrails that Protect Youth without Restricting Adults

The public overwhelmingly favors targeted restrictions—like limits on advertising to minors—over broad bans that punish responsible adults. Parents in particular support reforms that draw a clear line between youth protection and adult access.

• 71% agree the smarter approach is to limit where and how flavored vaping products are marketed, rather banning them outright.
• 81% support restricting advertisers from targeting youth, including 64% who strongly support this policy.

FDA Reform: Administration Should Prioritize Harm Reduction and Fair Competition

Trump voters want a smarter FDA framework that emphasizes public health, science-based decisions, and a level playing field for smaller companies.

• Nearly three-quarters (74%) support harm reduction strategies that expand access to safer nicotine alternatives instead of outright bans, which don’t fit the philosophies and practices of President Trump.
• Another 72% support ensuring the FDA’s process is affordable enough for small businesses to compete with Big Tobacco.
• 67% back a bold public education campaign to inform adult smokers about safer options like vaping and nicotine pouches.

Biden’s Ban Falters Once Voters Hear the Consequences

Initial support for Biden’s flavored vape ban is soft, and collapses when voters are presented with the real-world impact. Facts about job losses, business closures, and evidence of the causation between vape use and smoking cessation cause voters to shift decisively away from the ban.

• After learning the ban would eliminate 90,000 jobs and $17.5 billion in economic output, 44% say they are less likely to support it, while only 29% say more likely.
• A clinical trial showing flavored vapes helped even unmotivated smokers quit causes 43% to say they’re less likely to support the ban.
• Evidence from The New England Journal of Medicine and a Harvard physician supporting vaping for cessation moves 41% away from Biden’s position.
• Awareness that youth vaping has dropped 71% since Trump raised the legal age to 21 drives 38% to oppose the ban more strongly.

More information and a complete copy of the poll can be found below.

View Poll Top Lines (PDF)

View Complete Poll (PDF)

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WASHINGTON – February 13, 2025 – The following statement is attributable to Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association (VTA):

“The Vapor Technology Association is thrilled to learn that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed as President Donald Trump’s Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Secretary Kennedy is a leader who understands the real issues harming the well-being of the American people. We applaud Senate Republicans for ensuring swift confirmation of an agency head who is vital to the restoration of science-based health policy in our nation.

We look forward to working with President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and this administration’s other health officials to clean up the disastrous regulatory mess left behind by the Biden Administration. Together we can ensure that Americans have access to less harmful vaping alternatives to cigarettes and Make America Healthy Again.”

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