RFK Jr.'s chief HHS spokesman resigns over concern flavored vape approval will harm kids
Rich Danker resigned as RFK Jr.'s chief HHS spokesman, citing concerns over the approval of flavored vapes that could harm children.Summary
Rich Danker, the chief spokesman for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., resigned from his position as assistant secretary for public affairs on Wednesday. In his resignation letter, Danker expressed concern that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval of certain flavored e-cigarette products would appeal to children and expose them to nicotine addiction, lung damage, and a higher risk of cancer. He argued that routine approval of these products would undermine the agency's guidance issued in March regarding youth risk. This decision came shortly after the Trump administration approved the sale of blueberry- and mango-flavored nicotine vaping pods, marking the first time fruit-flavored e-cigarettes were authorized on the market. The manufacturer, Glas Inc., stated it would implement age-verification methods to prevent children from purchasing the products. This resignation follows the earlier departure of another chief HHS spokesman, Tom Corry, in March 2025, over Kennedy's approach to handling the Texas measles outbreak.
(Source：Wtvc)
