RFK Jr. reshapes U.S. health policy with bold dietary and drug pricing reforms

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has pushed for major changes in federal health policies. Since his confirmation in January 2025, he has targeted corporate influence in nutrition guidelines and called for greater transparency in drug pricing. His latest proposals have sparked both support and criticism from health advocacy groups.

Kennedy began his term by reshaping federal dietary guidelines, working with the Department of Agriculture to release new recommendations. These guidelines now place greater emphasis on red meat and dairy, a shift that has drawn scrutiny. A report from Protect Our Care accused the administration of basing the changes on input from beef and dairy industry leaders.

He has also taken aim at ultra-processed foods, advocating for stricter regulations and warning about their health risks. His long-standing support for whole foods and organic farming has led to reforms in school lunch programmes, replacing processed items with fresher options. Additionally, he has pushed to reduce seed oil consumption, framing it as a way to combat diet-related chronic diseases.

On drug pricing, Kennedy praised the Trump administration's efforts to lower costs through most favoured nations agreements. As HHS Secretary, he has expanded these measures, demanding more transparency in medical pricing. He also called for better sharing of medical records between patients and AI healthcare providers, arguing it could improve personalised treatment.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about his approach. Protect Our Care condemned his rollback of vaccine funding, including cuts to COVID-19 and flu immunisation programmes. Kennedy has also urged Americans to question advice from medical experts, encouraging them to make independent decisions about their health.

The new policies reflect Kennedy's focus on dietary reform and cost transparency. His changes to federal guidelines have shifted priorities toward whole foods while reducing reliance on pharmaceutical solutions. The long-term effects of these reforms will depend on how they are implemented and received by the public.