Federal cuts to tobacco programs endanger progress, with youth vaping rising and funding shortfalls.

The American Lung Association’s 2026 “State of Tobacco Control” report warns that federal cuts to tobacco prevention programs threaten decades of progress, with the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health nearly eliminated, FDA staffing reduced, and funding delayed. Despite declines in adult and youth smoking, nearly 2.25 million students still use tobacco, mostly flavored e-cigarettes. The federal government received a D grade, and New York State earned an F despite strong laws, due to underfunding its tobacco control program. Experts urge restoring funding, staffing, and public education campaigns to prevent rising deaths and healthcare costs.