The Donald Trump Administration passed an executive order last week that established the Make America Healthy Again Commission. Its main purpose is to address the rampant spread and predominant existence of chronic illnesses in children and adults.
While it comes from a place of good intentions, the executive order has got people in the medical field, especially doctors, on the edge. But before we get to it, here’s a quick rundown of the MAHA Commission and its motives.
The executive order stems from a promise made by Donald Trump, who, during his campaign, assured to “Make America Healthy Again.” The MAHA Commission is helmed by the Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for his controversial takes on the medical field.
🇺🇸MAKING AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission. pic.twitter.com/d4ISiU1krN
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 13, 2025
It has mandated investigations into the potential overuse of medications, the impact of environmental chemicals on children’s health, and the effects of certain food ingredients. The Commission also mandates the National Institutes of Health to prioritize research into the root causes of chronic illnesses in America. The Commission has been directed to prepare and produce a preliminary report in 100 days and a comprehensive plan within 180 days.
The Make America Healthy Again Commission is made up of a team of individuals who come from departments and agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Education, and the Environmental Protection Agency. White House officials like the Director of the Office of Management and Budget are also a part of the team.
That being said, the Commission and its motives have evoked mixed reactions from the medical field and public health experts. While some hope that its establishment and operations lead to a better understanding of chronic illnesses, others are extremely concerned about RFK Jr.’s controversial takes on medications.
Historic day! President Trump with Secretary Kennedy by his side, signed the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate and address the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with a focus on childhood chronic disease. pic.twitter.com/C2du9VKMtO
— HHS.gov (@HHSGov) February 16, 2025
His stances on vaccines and environmental toxins have predominantly elicited negative responses from the medical community, making them fear that the MAHA Commission might steer away from evidence-based practices. Those critical of the Commission feel that it might just serve as a political maneuver instead of a genuine effort to improve the public health sector.
The Make America Healthy Again Commission’s goals also seem to hint at it looking into and scrutinizing the usage of common medications such as stimulants, environmental chemicals, and food ingredients. This is something that aligns with RFK Jr.’s advocacy for increased awareness of pharmaceutical and food safety industry practices.
This indication has raised eyebrows in the medical community and among healthcare providers, who have concerns that it might lead to unnecessary hesitancy and fear toward longstanding established healthcare practices. They also fear that it might reshape pediatric care in America for the worse.
BREAKING 🚨 RFK Jr. announces the new MAHA Commission will study many factors that led to a decline in overall health of millions of Americans
“Nothing is off limits”
– Ultra Processed Food
– Electromagnet Radiation
– Childhood Vaccination ScheduleMake America Healthy Again pic.twitter.com/ll1nH76f6e
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) February 18, 2025
For now, the medical community is closely watching the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s every move, and as it progresses its recommendations and findings are bound to attract supporters and detractors, serving as a reflection of the ongoing debate over the best approach to combat America’s public health challenges.
