Washington Delays Menthol Cigarette Ban Decision

The U.S. administration announced the postponement of a decision to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes in the United States, a measure awaited by health organizations but which has also become a significant issue impacting the presidential election. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra stated in a statement, "It is clear that there are still discussions we need to have, and that will take a long time." The ban was originally scheduled for the fall but has been delayed until March, with many organizations expressing concerns about the indefinite postponement of the decision. The largest consumers of menthol-flavored cigarettes are Black Americans, who tend to lean Democratic, and their votes will have a significant impact on the upcoming presidential election in November. Menthol cigarettes are seen as a gateway to smoking, as they particularly encourage young people to start smoking.