'Mullin's new controversy adds to the list of troubles for the White House Cabinet'

"For years, federal health officials have warned about the risks associated with a supplement derived from the leaves of kratom trees that adherents say can kill pain or boost energy. Sold in gas stations across America, kratom has been linked to liver toxicity, seizures and thousands of deaths...Powerful figures close to President Trump, including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, pushed to downplay those concerns."

"During his tenure as a U.S. senator, he attended a Food and Drug Administration press conference and endorsed new federal restrictions on supplements that compete with kratom for shelf space. 'In explaining his position,' the Times noted, 'Mr. Mullin pointed to a history of addiction in his family, though health experts say kratom products have also been shown to be addictive.' "

"What Mullin did not mention was his financial investment in a kratom company, Botanic Tonics, that stood to benefit from the changes he recommended...What’s more, the disclosure of the financial connection didn’t happen until it was included in financial records that emerged after his Cabinet nomination."

Article at link:

https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/mullins-new-controversy-adds-to-the-list-of-troubles-for-the-white-house-cabinet