The White House is reportedly pushing to postpone a ban on intoxicating hemp products that was included in last fall's spending bill. Reports from The New York Times and MS NOW say the delay — moving the ban from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11 under a stopgap spending measure — could advantage Bret Worley, CEO of MC Nutraceuticals and son-in-law of Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Critics including Sen. Ted Budd cite FDA safety concerns about delta-8 THC in food-like products, while others back a brief extension to avoid a government shutdown.
White House Push To Delay Hemp THC Ban Could Benefit Susie Wiles' Son-In-Law, Reports Say
The Trump administration's push to delay a ban on intoxicating hemp products could have a big benefit to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' son-in-law, according to new reports (AFP via Getty Images)
The Trump administration is reportedly urging Congress to postpone enforcement of a ban on intoxicating hemp products — a move that, according to multiple news reports, could benefit White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' son-in-law.
Last fall, President Donald Trump signed a spending bill that included a provision banning certain hemp products that contain specified levels of THC, the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis. That ban was scheduled to take effect on November 12. Reports in The New York Times and MS NOW say the White House is now pressing lawmakers to delay the ban; a stopgap spending measure discussed by senators would move the effective date to December 11.
Bret Worley, who married Wiles' younger daughter Caroline in June, is chief executive of MC Nutraceuticals, a global hemp-products supplier. According to the reporting, MC Nutraceuticals has urged industry allies to lobby lawmakers for a postponement. The company also reportedly emailed prospective buyers saying the hemp industry now had "a seat at the table."
Bret Worley, who married Wiles' younger daughter Caroline in June, is the CEO of a global hemp product supplier (Getty Images)
White House spokesman Kush Desai told reporters, "The Chief of Staff has never lobbied in favor of this or any other position on hemp with Capitol Hill." He added that "the only interest guiding the Trump administration's decision-making is the best interest of the American people," and described the administration's work on a "Gold Science Standard-based framework on hemp" to expand treatment options for veterans and patients.
The proposed delay has prompted strong reactions in Congress. Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) said he will offer an amendment to strip the extension from the continuing resolution, warning that a loophole could allow "unregulated, dangerous intoxicants" to be sold, particularly in products attractive to children. The Food and Drug Administration warned in October 2024 about products containing delta-8 THC "in forms such as candy, chips, cereals and other foods that appeal to children."
Other lawmakers have weighed the trade-offs. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said she prefers not to extend the ban but can accept a short one-month postponement if it helps avert another government shutdown; last fall's funding lapse caused significant airport and agency disruptions.
As of publication, The Independent had contacted the White House and MC Nutraceuticals for comment. The continuing resolution that would include the delay provision was expected to come up for a vote this week.
Bottom line: Reports suggest the White House is seeking a short delay to a hemp-THC ban included in last fall's spending bill. That delay could benefit a company run by the chief of staff's son-in-law, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators concerned about product safety and youth exposure.
Help us improve.
