Inside STAT: Trump’s stalling on vaping issue raises fear of lasting health consequences

PRESIDENT TRUMP (EVAN VUCCI/AP)

The Trump administration’s apparent retreat this week from a proposed ban on flavored e-cigarettes has angered public health leaders, who are worried that the politically expedient move will have long-standing consequences for the country's health. Vape shops and other small businesses are seen as key supporters of the president’s reelection campaign. Many of the leaders hoped for change when the Obama administration considered banning flavored products — but it was ultimately rejected. The current administration’s step back represents another potential disappointment. All the while, new data last month found that a combined 5.3 million high school and middle school students use e-cigarettes. And the CDC is actively investigating the recent spike in lung injuries tied to vaping. STAT’s Megan Thielking and Nicholas Florko have more here.