Trump names pastor as tobacco health adviser at CDC

President Trump on Tuesday announced the selection of Darrell Scott, a pastor and longtime Trump supporter, to be the tobacco health adviser for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Trump announced Scott’s new role in a Truth Social post , citing his longtime advocacy for “America’s Underserved Communities.”

“For far too long, tobacco-related disease has taken an enormous toll on American Families, including Communities that have too often been overlooked and underserved. Pastor Scott understands these Communities, and the challenges they face, and he knows how to bring people together to get RESULTS,” Trump wrote.

“Delivering on a Campaign promise, his work will help ensure that we take a serious look at how we can better protect Americans from dangerous tobacco products, while supporting solutions to reduce harm and SAVE LIVES,” the president added.

What health policy expertise Scott brings to the role remains unclear. The Hill has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for comment.

Scott shared Trump’s announcement on his own social media but did not give any additional comment.

He has been a supporter of Trump’s presidency since 2016, including cofounding the National Diversity Coalition for Trump.

The position within the CDC will be Scott’s first official role within Trump’s administration, though he has previously identified himself as the president’s “senior advisor.”

The Trump administration has rolled back longstanding efforts to reduce tobacco use, including ending the CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers ad campaign launched in 2012 and its Office on Smoking and Health, which has effectively become one of many “zombie programs.”

The Food and Drug Administration has also granted marketing authorization to several flavored tobacco pouches on the basis that they are less harmful than cigarettes. RAI Services Co. — a subsidiary of Reynolds American, which owns brands like Newport, Camel and Pall Mall — was the biggest corporate donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign.