Senator Wyden Investigates Trump and RFK Jr. Over Big Tobacco and Kratom Deals

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has launched an investigation into the Trump administration’s ties to Big Tobacco and the kratom industry. The probe targets Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Reynolds American, and Botanic Tonics over allegations that executive interference undermined public health policies to benefit corporate donors.

In letters sent to HHS Secretary Kennedy, Botanic Tonics CEO Jerry Ross, and Reynolds American CEO David Waterfield, Wyden criticized the administration’s decision to weaken restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes and push for wider retail availability of kratom. “Your door is always open for corporate donors with demands and a checkbook,” Wyden wrote to Kennedy.

The May 2026 Vaping Policy Reversal Timeline

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally banned flavored vape products from retail stores in February 2020 to curb youth nicotine addiction. However, a rapid sequence of events in early 2026 led to those protections being rolled back.

Date (2026)	Event / Action
April 30	Reynolds American donated $5 million to the pro-Trump political action committee, MAGA, Inc.
May 2	Reynolds American Executive VP Jeff Raborn had lunch with President Trump to complain about FDA vape regulations. Trump immediately called FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, and HHS Secretary RFK Jr.
May 8	The Trump administration issued a policy directive allowing tobacco companies to sell flavored e-cigarettes in retail stores nationwide.
May 12	Dr. Marty Makary resigned as FDA Commissioner after repeatedly arguing against the approval of flavored vapes.

Read more:
Trump PAC Receives $5 Million from Vape Giant Ahead of FDA Flavored Vape Approval

Kratom Regulations and Cabinet-Level Conflicts

The investigation also focuses on the administration’s handling of kratom, an herbal substance sold in gas stations and smoke shops. Clinicians and addiction specialists warn that kratom use increases the prevalence of opioid use disorder. While kratom is banned in eight states, more than a dozen states still have no minimum age requirement for its purchase.

Wyden’s probe highlights potential self-enrichment within the cabinet. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin has actively advocated for restrictions on kratom’s synthetic competitors. However, Mullin personally holds a financial stake in Oklahoma-based manufacturer Botanic Tonics, reportedly valued at up to $1 million.

Senator Wyden has demanded that the Trump administration, Reynolds American, and Botanic Tonics submit all records regarding these decisions to the Senate Finance Committee by August 31, 2026. The full text of the inquiry letters can be accessed via the Senate Finance Committee portal, including the letters to HHS Secretary Kennedy, Botanic Tonics, and Reynolds American, as detailed in the official committee release.

Source: Wyden Investigates Trump and RFK Jr. Corruption Favoring Big Tobacco and Kratom Companies

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.