On Tuesday, newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled an ambitious investigation into the nation’s chronic disease epidemic. Stressing a commitment to “unbiased science,” Kennedy said that “nothing is going to be off limits” in this comprehensive review.
Speaking to HHS staff in his inaugural address since his confirmation last week, Kennedy outlined the scope of the investigation, which will scrutinize a range of potential contributors to chronic diseases. These include the childhood vaccine schedule, electromagnetic radiation, glyphosate and other pesticides, ultra-processed foods, artificial food allergens, psychiatric drugs such as SSRIs, PFAs, and microplastics.
“Some of the possible factors we will investigate were formerly taboo or insufficiently scrutinized,” he noted.
The initiative follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order establishing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, tasked with examining the precipitous decline in American health over the past two generations. Kennedy, who will chair the commission, emphasized the importance of including diverse perspectives in the study to identify the root causes of the drastic rise in chronic diseases.
“Nothing is going to be off limits,” Kennedy said. “Whatever belief or suspicion I have expressed in the past, that is going to be our template: unbiased science. That’s something that will make us all proud of this agency and of our role in restoring American health.”
“Let’s all depoliticize these issues and reestablish a common ground or action and renew the search for existential truth, with no political impediments and no preconceptions.”
During his Senate confirmation hearings earlier this month, he faced intense scrutiny but secured confirmation with a narrow 52-48 vote. Notably, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a polio survivor, was the sole Republican to oppose his confirmation, citing concerns over Kennedy’s vaccine stance.
The MAHA Commission’s mandate includes investigating factors such as childhood obesity and the overmedication of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for examining the impact of environmental toxins and dietary factors on public health, aligning with his agenda to combat chronic diseases through preventive measures and policy reforms.
Since then, State legislators across the country are launching a series of initiatives aligned with the objectives promoted by the newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary, under his MAHA agenda. Many are attributing their renewed push to the support these health priorities have received from the incoming administration.
“It took Bobby to get into the position that he is in now for something to happen,” Arizona state Rep. Leo Biasiucci stated at a press conference earlier this month while introducing HB 2164 according to Fox News. The legislation aims to eliminate food dyes and additives from school lunches. “I can’t thank him enough for being the microphone … at the high level, to finally put a spotlight on this.”
Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Idaho, attributed the new administration’s support as boosting the prospects for his bill, HB 109, which seeks to exclude candy and soda from SNAP benefits. When asked about his confidence in obtaining the waiver needed, Redman cited a supportive Trump administration. “I think that the chances are higher now with the new administration,” he stated.
