President Donald Trump, along with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s wife Cheryl Hines, were photographed during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was officially appointed as the new head of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The photograph was taken by Jason C. Andrew of Bloomberg.
Following Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s inauguration as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, President Trump issued an executive order establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission. This Commission is tasked with investigating and addressing the root causes of America’s health crisis, with a particular focus on childhood health and chronic diseases. Despite being presented as a novel initiative, the concepts outlined in the executive order have been previously explored by various administrations and medical communities over the years.
The executive order emphasizes the importance of understanding and lowering chronic disease rates, particularly in children, through lifestyle changes and nutritional improvements. It also aims to evaluate the overuse of certain medications and pesticides and address potential corporate influences in the healthcare system.
While the executive order and the Commission’s goals align with Kennedy’s beliefs regarding health and nutrition, they are not entirely groundbreaking. Past government initiatives and research have also focused on the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and preventive measures to combat chronic diseases. The General Accounting Office has identified numerous efforts related to promoting healthier diets and increased physical activity to prevent chronic illnesses.
The history of dietary guidelines in America dates back to the Carter administration in 1980, with subsequent administrations and initiatives, such as Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program, aiming to address issues like childhood obesity and improve public health through dietary and exercise guidance. Despite some setbacks and changes in nutritional science policies, the government has continuously emphasized the importance of healthy lifestyles to combat chronic diseases. The discussion of topics like red and processed meat, sodium, and ultra-processed foods and their environmental impact was considered off-limits by the guidelines committee.
During his first administration, Trump’s actions contradicted RFK Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again priorities. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency reversed a ban on chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurological issues in children. Efforts to improve school lunches and food assistance programs were also rolled back.
In contrast, the Biden administration reinstated Obama-era policies and focused on ending hunger and promoting healthy eating and physical activity. They banned certain pesticides, improved school meal standards, and strengthened nutrition programs.
The Department of HHS hosted a “Food is Medicine” summit to explore the connection between food and health. The aim is to increase access to healthy food, especially in underserved communities, and educate the public on the importance of nutrition for overall well-being.
As Trump’s second term unfolds, there may be a shift in his stance on nutrition and health. The MAHA Commission continues the efforts of previous administrations in promoting better health through nutrition initiatives. Please rewrite the following sentence: “The dog ran quickly through the park.”
