On Tuesday, newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a sweeping investigation into the nation’s chronic disease epidemic. Emphasizing a commitment to “unbiased science,” Kennedy vowed that “nothing is going to be off-limits” in a comprehensive review.
In his inaugural address to Health and Human Services staff following his confirmation last week, RFK Jr. outlined the scope of his investigation into the nation’s chronic disease epidemic. The review will examine a range of potential contributors, including the childhood vaccine schedule, electromagnetic radiation, glyphosate and other pesticides, ultra-processed foods, artificial food allergens, psychiatric drugs like SSRIs, PFAs, and microplastics. “Some of the possible factors we will investigate were formerly taboo or insufficiently scrutinized,” he noted.
The initiative stems from President Donald Trump’s recent executive order creating the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, which is charged with investigating the sharp decline in American health over the past two generations. As chair of the commission, Kennedy stressed the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives to uncover the root causes behind the alarming 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.” He added: “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.”
The commission is tasked with investigating factors contributing to the nation’s health decline, including childhood obesity and the overmedication of children diagnosed with ADHD. As a longtime advocate for examining the effects of environmental toxins and dietary factors on public health, RFK Jr. aims to use the commission to advance preventive measures and policy reforms to combat chronic diseases.
Since then, state legislators across the country have begun introducing initiatives aligned with the health objectives outlined by newly appointed HHS chief under his MAHA agenda. Many attribute this renewed push to the strong support these health priorities have received from the incoming Trump 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.”
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