Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

CDC Finds Record Low 9% Smoking Amid Trump Cuts

5/30/2026

38 4

Summary

Story summary

The CDC’s 2025 survey reported that 9% of U.S. adults smoked, the lowest level on record.
Smoking prevalence fell from about 42% in the mid-1960s to under 10% by 2024, driven by taxes, bans, education campaigns and shifting norms.
Yolonda Richardson of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids warned that President Donald Trump’s cuts to CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and the “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign could threaten progress.

1 of 1

Story summary

The CDC’s 2025 survey reported that 9% of U.S. adults smoked, the lowest level on record.
Smoking prevalence fell from about 42% in the mid-1960s to under 10% by 2024, driven by taxes, bans, education campaigns and shifting norms.
Yolonda Richardson of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids warned that President Donald Trump’s cuts to CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health and the “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign could threaten progress.