GOP Criticizes Biden's Hemp Initiative Amid Industry Influence

WHO:

NBC News - Republican lawmakers are involved in the criticism of the White House’s hemp initiative.

Alternet - Susie Wiles is the Chief of Staff to President Trump, and her son-in-law, Bret Worley, is mentioned as a key figure in the hemp industry.

WHAT:

NBC News - The White House supports a three-week delay on an impending ban on intoxicating hemp.

Alternet - The delay on the ban could directly benefit Bret Worley, who is the CEO of companies that sell intoxicating hemp products.

Alternet - The proposed delay is included in a stopgap spending measure being worked on by Congress to prevent a government shutdown.

WHERE:

Alternet - The Trump Winery in Charlottesville, VA, is mentioned as the location where Bret Worley married Wiles’ daughter.

WHEN:

Alternet - The restrictions on intoxicating hemp products are set to take effect on November 12.

Alternet - If the spending bill is approved, the delay would hold the ban until December 11.

WHY:

Alternet - The White House argues that the delay is essential to “ensure the fair treatment of hemp products.”

Alternet - Some senators are concerned that delaying the restrictions will endanger public health and safety.

HOW:

Alternet - Senators included the delay in the spending bill under pressure from the Trump administration.

Alternet - The hemp industry has conducted an influence campaign to avoid new regulations, with Bret Worley as a leader in that campaign.

(UPDATED August 5, 2026 20:35 UTC)

Republican lawmakers are voicing their criticism of the White House's hemp initiative, which includes a proposed three-week delay on an impending ban on intoxicating hemp products. This delay, included in a stopgap spending measure to prevent a government shutdown, could significantly benefit Bret Worley, the CEO of companies selling these products and the son-in-law of Trump’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles. If the spending bill is approved, the ban, originally set to take effect on November 12, would be postponed until December 11, as the White House argues that this delay is crucial for the fair treatment of hemp products, despite concerns from some senators about public health and safety.