The Makary Resignation and the Media’s Nicotine Blind Spot
May 15, 2026 by substack.com
The Makary Resignation and the Media’s Nicotine Blind Spot
The coverage of Marty Makary's resignation highlights media incentives and vaping policy. The narrative focuses on Trump's alleged influence on flavored vape approvals while neglecting data showing declining youth vaping rates and youth smoking during the vaping era. Makary's stance against political pressure was emphasized, overshadowing scientific nuances. The media portrayed any support for flavored vapes as corrupt, ignoring their potential harm reduction benefits. The text raises concerns about media bias and incomplete reporting, urging for a more comprehensive approach to policy decisions, including considering all evidence and complexities. Ignoring conflicting data and focusing on preferred narratives can lead to flawed public health policies.
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
