As the Trump administration considers major cuts to federal health agencies, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has released a 72-page report highlighting what he calls a serious national health emergency.
Speaking with NBC News’ Tom Llamas on Thursday, Kennedy described the report—titled Make America Healthy Again—as a landmark moment. He claimed it was the first time the federal government acknowledged the harmful effects of environmental toxins, synthetic chemicals, and ultraprocessed foods on Americans’ health.
The report paints a bleak picture of children’s health in the U.S., with rising cases of diabetes, obesity, and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it stops short of offering specific solutions.
When asked why no clear plans were included, Kennedy responded that action would follow soon. “In the next 60 days,” he said, “we’re going to roll out the initiatives needed to fix this.”
Focus on Chemicals and Food Industry
Kennedy emphasized the dangers of synthetic food dyes and environmental toxins, especially for children. He stated that these factors are contributing to rising healthcare costs and poor health outcomes.
About 40% of U.S. children are insured through Medicaid, and Kennedy, who oversees the program, wants changes to begin with the food industry.
Shortly after taking office, Kennedy said he met with food companies and encouraged them to remove artificial dyes. Last week, he announced the fast-track approval of three new vegetable-based food dyes.
Simpler Nutrition Advice Is Coming
Kennedy also plans to overhaul federal dietary guidelines, which he criticized for being too complex. New recommendations will focus on whole foods and warn against ultraprocessed products.
He praised local efforts to limit soda and energy drink purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps.
Claim: Childhood Diabetes Can Be Reversed
In the interview, Kennedy said that many childhood illnesses, including Type 1 diabetes, could be improved—or even reversed—through better nutrition.
“Food is medicine,” he said. “It affects our mood, mental health, immune system, and more.”
But medical experts note that Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition where the body stops producing insulin, is not reversible. While a healthy diet helps manage the condition, there is no cure.
Vaccine Controversy and Fetal Tissue Claim
Kennedy also made a controversial claim that the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine contains “millions of particles derived from fetal tissue.”
Experts say that’s misleading. While some vaccines were developed using cell lines from elective abortions over 50 years ago, those cells go through intense purification before use. No new fetal cells are used in today’s vaccines.
One pediatric infectious disease expert clarified, “No new cell lines are being generated. These are decades-old cells used in research—not in the vaccines themselves.”
The Creek Photo Controversy
Another incident drew public attention this month. Kennedy posted photos of himself and his grandchildren playing in a creek in Washington, D.C., known to be contaminated with sewage.
The shirtless images of him in the water raised concerns about safety and awareness of environmental risks.
Kennedy responded by saying Americans should take responsibility for keeping public waterways clean. “We have the right to swim and fish in them,” he said. “And we should hold polluters accountable.”
Summary
In his first 100 days, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spotlighted pressing health issues—from food chemicals and ultraprocessed diets to water contamination and chronic childhood diseases. While the Make America Healthy Again report has stirred debate, Kennedy says action is on the way. Whether his promises turn into policy remains to be seen.
