US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) Council. Spearheaded by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the council aims to address the escalating health crisis in the United States, with a particular focus on chronic diseases.
The MAHA Council has been pointing the finger at the pharmaceutical and food industries as the culprits behind the chronic disease epidemic. Trump alleged that for a long time, Americans have been oppressed by industrial food enterprises and pharmaceutical companies, which have been spreading deceptive, false information on public health issues. Kennedy Jr. echoed these sentiments, arguing that these industries use lobbying power to maximize their profits at the expense of the nation’s health.
A report released by the council on May 22 painted a grim picture of children’s health in the US. It stated that over 40% of the country’s approximately 73 million children suffer from at least one chronic disease, which not only jeopardizes the national economy but also poses a threat to national defense security, as 74% of American children are ineligible for military service. While the report’s tone was less scathing than Kennedy’s previous attacks on the industries, it still identified ultra – processed foods, chemical exposure, lack of exercise, high stress levels, and drug abuse as likely causes of the health crisis among children. It also warned about the over – prescription of antibiotics, antidepressants, weight – loss drugs, and asthma medications, calling for further research into their impact on children.
Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal critic of major food and pharmaceutical companies. Earlier this year, he accused companies like the manufacturer of “Fruit Loops” and McDonald’s of “poisoning American children on a massive scale” during a hearing. He also claimed that pharmaceutical products are the third leading cause of death in the US. To combat the chronic disease issue, Kennedy has called for restrictions on the use of food additives and dyes in food and drugs, as well as a ban on direct – to – consumer prescription drug advertising.
The establishment of the MAHA Council and its accusations against the food and pharmaceutical industries have stirred significant controversy. While the council’s efforts to tackle the chronic disease epidemic in the US are clear, how the industries will respond and whether the council can effectively implement its proposed measures remain to be seen.
Related topics:
