In a move criticized as regulatory overreach, the Biden administration’s FDA is advancing a proposal to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes. The rule, which completed regulatory review earlier this month, seeks to eliminate traditional tobacco products and reshape the market.
Former ATF official Rich Marianos warned that such a policy would empower organized crime. He stated that cartels and other criminal groups could exploit the ban by smuggling traditional cigarettes into the country, leading to increased violence and economic disruption.
This proposal comes after Democrats delayed a similar plan to ban menthol cigarettes last year. Critics argue the current effort is a rushed attempt to push through a broader regulatory agenda before Biden leaves office.
Let’s ban cigarettes instead of banning illegals from entering the US who traffic in meth and other drugs. Make it make sense!!
— AngieCooke (@AngieECooke42) January 8, 2025
Yea- let’s legalize weed, give out free crack pipes and syringes to druggies, but ban tobacco cigarettes… that my friends, is a textbook example of liberal lunacy. What a freakin joke
— RossJameson75 (@RossJ99294) January 8, 2025
Marianos emphasized the risks of black-market activity, including the likelihood of turf wars between criminal organizations. He noted that past prohibition efforts have demonstrated the dangers of banning popular products without addressing demand.
I would think there are more pressing issues! Stay out of American lives! Don't forget he's after Water Heaters too.
Biden admin working to effectively ban cigarettes in 11th hour proposal a 'gift' to cartels, expert says https://t.co/lk4eUIe9qE via @Yahoo
— 🇺🇸 Russ America First Roper 🇺🇸 (@russ_roper1) January 8, 2025
Biden moves to ban cigarettes on his way out the door https://t.co/yT74WKdsX8
— BPR (@BIZPACReview) January 8, 2025
Ward Clark, writing for RedState, highlighted the parallels to historical policies that created unintended consequences. He argued that the proposed nicotine reduction would not eliminate smoking but would drive consumers to illegal alternatives.
We’re gonna ban cigarettes yet we can’t secure a border. 🙄
— Victor Muto (@muto_victo4970) January 8, 2025
Ban cigarettes but mutilate children. Got it.
— FLGirl (@leigh2023) January 8, 2025
The FDA confirmed the rule is undergoing final review, but questions about its feasibility and enforcement remain unanswered. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about personal choice and government intervention.
