Public health advocates clashed with representatives of the tobacco and vaping industries, as well as conservative groups, during a “listening” session at the White House on Friday.
During the meeting, Trump seemed to listen to the arguments of the pro-vaping sector, and hinted he is walking back a long-delayed proposal to remove all flavored e-cigarettes from the market, amid concerns over job losses and the dangers of counterfeit products.
“If you don't give it to them, it is going to come here illegally,” Trump said, adding “they could be selling something on a street corner that could be horrible.”
Trump did express support for the industry-backed proposal of raising the age limit for tobacco purchases to 21.
“Twenty one, we are going to be doing,” Trump said.
The meeting was initially going to be closed to the press. But ever a fan of a spectacle, Trump invited reporters and cameras into the room, with members of the media able to witness first-hand Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) making the claim that vaping companies sold a flavor called “unicorn poop” to appeal to children.
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