Dear Mrs. Trump:

We want to express our sincere appreciation for the leadership you have provided in highlighting the youth e-cigarette epidemic, meeting with youth who have been impacted by this crisis and championing the bold action to reverse the epidemic that was announced by the Administration on September 11, 2019. Our organizations strongly support the Administration’s plan to clear the market of all flavored e-cigarettes, including mint and menthol flavors.

This is an issue that confronts every parent. It is not a surprise that moms have been the strongest voices for action. Millions of moms from all political persuasions and from every part of the country echo the concerns you have raised.

This past week, there have been news reports that the major e-cigarette companies have enlisted political allies to undermine these efforts. We are writing to ask you to continue your fight for our children.

We have clear evidence that mint and menthol e-cigarettes are popular with kids. Data from the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey show that 63.9% of high school e-cigarette users use mint or menthol flavors, up from 51.2% in 2018 and 42.3% in 2017.

A policy that does not remove all flavored e-cigarettes will not solve the current epidemic of youth e-cigarette use. Youth who now use mint and menthol e-cigarettes will continue to do so, and youth who use flavors that are removed from the market will simply switch to mint and menthol.

A Schoen poll of likely voters conducted in September after the Administration’s September 11 announcement indicates by a 73% to 22% margin, support for the Administration’s plan to take flavored e-cigarettes off the market, including support from 74% of Republicans and 70% of Independents. These results are similar to the results of a Morning Consult poll, also conducted in mid-September, that found strong, bipartisan support for the Administration’s plan.

Mrs. Trump, you have been a strong voice during this crisis. The health of America’s kids is at stake. We stand with you in supporting the Administration’s proposal to take ALL flavored e-cigarettes off the market because, as you have recognized, they are fueling the youth e-cigarette epidemic.

Read Full Letter to First Lady Melania Trump re Mint and Menthol 10.29.19