Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is nearing a crucial deadline to produce a key document that will influence the federal government’s approach to childhood chronic disease. The “Make America Healthy Again” commission, established by President Trump, is set to deliver its initial assessment on May 24. Despite the upcoming deadline, the commission has only met once, in a closed-door meeting that included discussions on “MAHA moms.” Subsequent meetings have not been scheduled, although officials assure that progress is being made behind the scenes.
The first report from the commission will identify potential contributors to childhood chronic disease, such as diet, exposure to toxic substances, medical treatments, lifestyle factors, environmental influences, government policies, food production methods, electromagnetic radiation, and corporate influence. It will also detail the current state of chronic disease prevalence, treatment, and research.
While experts acknowledge that non-genetic factors can increase the risk of conditions like asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in children, there is debate over some of Kennedy’s theories. For example, his belief that low levels of electromagnetic radiation or common childhood vaccines are triggering illness is disputed by many pediatric researchers.
By the end of July, the commission is expected to present its plan for addressing the chronic disease problem. This report will likely shape federal health priorities and potentially influence spending decisions. President Trump has tasked the commission with identifying areas where federal practices are not improving health and recommending cuts.
The commission’s recommendations hold significant financial implications as Congress determines how to allocate funds within the Health and Human Services Department budget. A leaked draft budget document suggests that Kennedy could receive $500 million for “MAHA activities,” with $50 million already earmarked for new autism studies. The commission’s members include domestic policy advisers, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, and two MAHA advisers, Calley Means and Vani Hari.
STAT has requested a full list of commission members, including their affiliations and any conflicts of interest. The coverage of chronic health issues by STAT is supported by a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, with financial supporters having no influence on journalistic decisions.
