Meet the CCP-tied vaping lobbyist ramping up pressure on Trump to save ‘illicit’ vape industry

A top vaping lobbyist, Tony Abboud, is under scrutiny for his extensive ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as his group, the Vapor Technology Association (VTA), ramps up pressure on the Trump administration to save the flavored vaping industry. Abboud, who previously worked closely with the Trump campaign, has faced backlash due to his past donations to Democrats and his partnership with the Electronic Cigarette Industry Committee of the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (ECCC), an entity linked to the CCP.

Abboud’s ties to the CCP have raised concerns among political operatives close to the Trump administration and Republican Congressional leadership. They fear that Abboud’s allegiance to Chinese vape companies could compromise American interests, particularly in terms of national security and the economy. The ECCC, which partners with Abboud’s VTA, has leaders who are former high-ranking members of the CCP, raising further red flags about the nature of their relationship.

Despite these concerns, a senior adviser to the 2024 Trump campaign defended Abboud and the VTA, highlighting their support for President Trump’s re-election and their collaboration on a get-out-the-vote program targeting pro-vaping voters. The adviser dismissed criticism of the group, emphasizing their loyalty to the President and their efforts to support his agenda.

Abboud’s visit to China in December 2023 and his participation in ECCC events further underscore the close relationship between VTA and Chinese vape companies. The partnership aims to strengthen China’s presence in the international market, particularly in the U.S., raising questions about the implications for American businesses and consumers.

In response to inquiries about VTA’s ties to China and the CCP, Abboud focused on his support for President Trump and his commitment to saving the vaping industry from anti-vaping policies implemented by the Biden administration. He framed the criticism as coordinated attacks from competitors in the tobacco industry and radical leftwingers, emphasizing the economic impact of shutting down American vape companies.

As Abboud and the VTA continue to lobby the Trump administration and states to oppose regulations targeting Chinese vape companies, the debate over their ties to the CCP intensifies. Critics warn of the potential consequences of prioritizing Chinese interests over American values, while supporters highlight their efforts to protect the vaping industry and support President Trump’s agenda. The outcome of this controversy remains uncertain as stakeholders on both sides of the issue seek to influence policy decisions that could shape the future of the flavored vaping industry.