Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., backed by President Donald Trump, is pushing to combat chronic illness while facing budget cuts. Trump has ordered a “Make America Healthy Again” Commission to address rising autism, asthma, and ADHD diagnoses, expand health insurance, and deliver a report in 100 days.
Kennedy, 71, plans to boost transparency, study vaccines, and tackle food additives. However, GOP spending cuts threaten HHS’s 2.3 million-strong workforce. Former FDA counsel Dan Troy warns that slashing staff could hinder reforms. Medicaid is also a target, with proposed cuts to food, housing, and social benefits.
Kennedy’s allies urge full transparency on medical and food safety data, removal of ultra-processed foods from schools, and independence from corporate influence. Advocacy groups push the FDA to close loopholes that let companies self-regulate food additives.
While abortion pill mifepristone remains absent from Kennedy’s immediate agenda, Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint, pushes anti-abortion measures, including banning abortion pills and cutting Medicaid funds to pro-abortion states.
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