Commentary
As President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. chart the course for America’s health in 2026, their ambitious “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda faces a defining moment. With chronic disease rates soaring, public skepticism about COVID vaccines growing, autism diagnoses rising, and drug prices burdening families, the administration’s success hinges on delivering tangible results in these critical areas. To win on health, Trump and Kennedy must combine bold policy reforms with transparent, evidence-based action, restoring trust while addressing the nation’s pressing health challenges.
Tackling Chronic Disease: A National Priority
Chronic diseases—obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease—afflict six in 10 Americans, with four in 10 battling multiple conditions. The White House’s MAHA Commission, established by Trump’s February 2025 Executive Order and chaired by Kennedy, aims to reverse this trend by investigating root causes, from poor nutrition to environmental exposures. Success in 2026, requires the commission to deliver its promised 180-day strategy with actionable recommendations. For instance, phasing out synthetic food dyes and limiting food stamp purchases of sugary drinks, as Kennedy has proposed, could shift dietary habits.
