WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump reportedly expressed frustration over Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary’s pace in approving flavored vaping products, according to individuals familiar with the matter.

During a series of phone calls over the weekend while Trump was in Florida and subsequent conversations at the White House on Monday, the former president sought counsel from aides regarding Makary’s actions and the significance of flavored vaping to young supporters of the MAGA movement. Advisers reportedly characterized Makary as an obstacle to Trump’s policy goals on vaping.

Makary initially resisted White House preferences by declining to authorize menthol, mango, and blueberry vape flavors produced by Los Angeles-based manufacturer Glas. However, on Tuesday, the FDA announced it had approved these flavors, highlighting the Glas device’s features designed to prevent youth usage. Earlier this year, a memo from Makary’s office indicated additional time was needed to assess whether such features adequately protected public health.

Sources familiar with the discussions said Makary and Trump debated the possibility of the FDA commissioner reversing course on flavored vape approvals. Makary had previously expressed concerns about the public health implications of approving fruit and other flavors that might appeal to children.

This shift comes after Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to “save vaping,” a notable change from his previous administration’s approach. During his first term, Trump’s administration cracked down on flavored vaping amid a surge in teen e-cigarette use in 2020 and raised the minimum tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21. Under both the Trump and Biden administrations, the FDA has generally denied authorization for flavored vaping products, granting approval primarily to tobacco and menthol flavors.

White House spokesman Kush Desai attributed any shortcomings to the prior Biden administration, asserting that the Trump administration’s health policies are grounded in rigorous science. “The FDA under Commissioner Makary’s trailblazing leadership will continue to make evidence-based decisions that rectify the Biden administration’s missteps and that are in the best interest of the American people,” Desai said.

Despite such endorsements, sources said Makary has faced internal challenges within the administration. Last year, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of Health and Human Services, reportedly considered replacing Makary with a nominee who would serve primarily as a figurehead. Makary also remains under scrutiny for recent denials of rare-disease drugs, which he defended in an interview Tuesday, saying, “If your drug works, it’s going to get approved.”

Additionally, Makary has attempted to mend relations with pharmaceutical industry leaders amid ongoing personnel issues at the FDA. Last year saw the firing and rehiring of the agency’s vaccine chief, the resignation of the drugs chief amid bribery allegations, and the departure of a senior cancer regulator who cited leadership failures.

Makary is also confronting pressure from antiabortion advocacy groups, which criticize him for not producing a promised safety study on the abortion pill. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, renewed calls on Monday for his removal from office.