MAGA vape seller sources products from China illegally

A company called Fifty Bar, promoting a "Make Vaping American Again" brand, is facing scrutiny for selling e-cigarettes made in China. The founder, Brady Bates, claims the disposable vapes are the "only" ones built in the USA, but they are actually produced in Shenzhen, China. Fifty Bar has become part of a $2.4 billion illicit vaping market in the U.S. Bates fills the vapes with flavors in California and has been criticized by the FDA for selling them without the required premarket approval. Bates is lobbying to oppose laws that would regulate his company and potentially cut off its Chinese supply. In a recent hearing, he acknowledged that parts for the vapes are sourced from China, despite pushing for U.S. manufacturing. He faced questions from lawmakers about why he doesn't produce the vapes in the U.S. Bates admitted that if new regulations pass, his company risks not being able to sell its products in various states. Federal and state officials are cracking down on the sale of these unauthorized vapes, particularly aimed at preventing sales to minors. A report showed that Massachusetts lost around $240 million in tax revenue due to the rise in illegal e-cig sales. Many of the Chinese distributors involved are led by a billionaire known for dominating the vape market. Former President Trump has previously defended flavored vaping and is considering the issue in his 2024 campaign.