White House Unveils ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Report

The White House unveiled the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Report on Thursday, May 22. The MAHA Report is a comprehensive assessment of the state of chronic disease among America’s children, and was led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Commissioned by President Donald Trump by Executive Order 14212 on February 13, 2025, the 72-page document attributes the escalating surge in childhood chronic disease to factors such as poor diet, environmental toxins, sedentary lifestyles, and overmedicalization.

“We will end the childhood chronic disease crisis by attacking its root causes head-on—not just managing its symptoms,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We will follow the truth wherever it leads, uphold rigorous science, and drive bold policies that put the health, development, and future of every child first. I’m grateful to President Trump for his leadership—and for trusting me to lead this fight to root out corruption, restore scientific integrity, and reclaim the health of our children.”

The MAHA Report identifies several contributors to the decline in children's health:

• Ultra-Processed Foods: These constitute nearly 70% of children's caloric intake, significantly contributing to chronic diseases.
• Chemical Exposure: High levels of pesticides like glyphosate and atrazine have been found in children's bodies.
• Overprescription of Medications: There has been a 1,400% increase in teenage antidepressant prescriptions since 1987.
• Sedentary Lifestyles: Increased screen time and reduced physical activity are contributing to health issues.

The Report also raises concerns about the potential long-term harms of overprescribed ADHD medications and antibiotics in early childhood.

In response to the findings, the MAHA Commission has been tasked with developing a federal health strategy within 80 days. The report calls for:

• Stricter Regulation of Processed Foods: To reduce children's intake of harmful additives.
• Enhanced Oversight of Chemical Exposures: Particularly in agricultural practices.
• Review of Prescription Practices: To address the overuse of medications among children.
• Promotion of Physical Activity: Encouraging more active lifestyles to combat sedentary habits.

The MAHA Report has garnered mixed reactions. While some praise its comprehensive approach to children's health, others criticize it for omitting key factors. For instance, the Report overlooks leading causes of child mortality such as firearms and motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, some experts express concern over the Report's skepticism toward the current vaccine schedule, fearing it may undermine progress on infectious diseases.

Notably missing from the Report is any mention of autism in relation to vaccines. Autism is discussed in the report, but only in the context of rising rates, its status as a chronic disease, and possible associations with the consumption of food colorings and pesticides.

In alignment with the MAHA initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved waivers for states like Iowa and Indiana to restrict the purchase of certain processed foods and sugary drinks using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These measures aim to improve public health by reducing the consumption of junk food among low-income populations.

“We must do more to improve the health outcomes of our kids and families, and President Trump knows agriculture is at the heart of the solution. America’s farmers and ranchers dedicate their lives to the noble cause of feeding their country and the world, and in doing so have created the safest and most abundant and affordable food supply in the world. We are working to make sure our kids and families are consuming the healthiest food we produce,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Kennedy and other members of the MAHA Commission to improve our nation’s health.”

In Alabama, the 2025 legislative session saw the introduction of HB491 by Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road). HB491 would have prohibited Alabama public K-12 schools from selling, permitting the sale of, serving, or providing any food containing Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2 or Green Dye No. 3.

HB491, along with a number of health freedom and vaccine-related bills died in the House Health Committee. These bills, many of which were never placed on the Committee’s agenda for discussion, would have moved Alabama significantly closer to the conclusions and recommendations of the MAHA Report.

The White House held a press event on the release of the Report, with the President, Secretary Kennedy and others in attendance:

The full report is available HERE.