Biden Administration Focuses on Menthol Cigarette Ban as the World Burns

The Biden administration began talking about a ban on menthol cigarettes back in April. Now they are looking at it again, because it’s not like there’s anything else going on right now, right?

The border is non-existent, war is brewing in the Middle East and inflation is through the roof, but this is what they want to focus on.

Some people think this could actually hurt Biden in 2024.

FOX News reports:

Biden admin’s proposed menthol cigarette ban could become liability in 2024: ‘Unintended consequences’

The Biden administration’s proposed menthol cigarette ban could become a thorn in the president’s side during the 2024 elections, political operatives planning to run ads attacking him have told Fox News Digital.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially proposed rules prohibiting menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars in April 2022 to “prevent children from becoming the next generation of smokers” and to “help adult smokers quit.” After missing its August deadline, the agency said it remains a top issue, and they are nearing the end of the process.

“Finalizing these two product standards remains a top priority for the FDA,” Brian King, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, told Fox News Digital. “The posting of both rules on the [White House’s Office of Management and Budget] website means they have reached the final step of review for regulatory documents.”

The proposed ban has faced worries from critics who say it could lead to heightened border problems with Mexican drug cartels saturating the U.S. black market with the prohibited products. Politico reported that it has also divided Black leaders, with some arguing it would lead to over-policing against the community.

It’s just absurd.

I don’t smoke—and even if I did, I doubt I’d be a menthol guy—but this is absurd.

In any event, changes to federal law should be made by Congress—not unelected bureaucrats.

Congress must pass the REINS Act to return the lawmaking power to the people.https://t.co/XfS8nuel0Y

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) October 24, 2023

The FDA has formally submitted its proposed ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes and cigars.

But the data suggest that the proposed ban will not work, will likely foster a black market, and will further aggravate criminal justice inequities. https://t.co/RjXXd1ScU8 #CatoDrugWar pic.twitter.com/W9PYAHPIbb

— Cato Institute (@CatoInstitute) October 20, 2023

Joe Biden wants safe crack pipe distribution and marijuana reform but menthol cigarettes have to go. Too dangerous.

Calling him a buffoon is an insult to buffoons.

— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) October 24, 2023

Safe crack pipes, but no menthol cigarettes. What a perfect metaphor for liberalism.