In a major policy shift, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the helm as Secretary of Health and Human Services, the commission is set to investigate the causes of chronic disease and declining public health in America. The initiative comes at a time when the nation faces alarming increases in cancer, autism, obesity, and autoimmune disorders, issues that disproportionately affect Black communities.
Trump, in announcing the commission, emphasized that Kennedy’s appointment aligns with a shared commitment to uncovering the root causes of chronic disease, rather than simply focusing on healthcare costs and access. “Bobby is going to lead a great national mission to make America healthy again. He is a fierce advocate for the health of our children and for the values of free speech, democracy, and peace,” Trump said. Despite the United States spending more on healthcare than any other country, he pointed out that Americans are becoming sicker, with chronic illnesses on the rise. “There’s something wrong. We’re going to find out what it is, and Bobby is the right person to lead this mission.”
Kennedy, in his first address as HHS Secretary, underscored the magnitude of the health crisis. He cited alarming statistics, noting that six out of ten American adults suffer from at least one chronic disease and that the U.S. has the highest cancer rate in the world. Autism rates, once affecting only one in 10,000 children, have surged to one in 36. He described how conditions like obesity and diabetes have become commonplace, saying, “These conditions were virtually unheard of when my uncle was President from 1960 to 1963, when I was a 10-year-old boy.” He further highlighted a drastic decline in male reproductive health, stating, “The sperm counts and testosterone are down about 50% in American boys, and our girls are reaching puberty six years earlier than historical generations.”
Kennedy did not shy away from placing blame on systemic issues, arguing that corporate influence, environmental toxins, and overreliance on pharmaceuticals are at the core of the problem. “Our only solution to these issues seems to be more and more pharmaceutical interventions that don’t seem to be alleviating the problem—and in many cases, appear to be worsening it.” He also stressed the need for radical transparency, emphasizing that the public must have access to unbiased scientific research in order to make informed health decisions. “No one trusts science that isn’t transparent about its research hypothesis, its raw data, or its conflicts of interest. No one trusts a government built on lies, secrets, cover-ups, and propaganda.” He made it clear that the commission will examine all possible factors contributing to chronic illness, declaring, “Nothing is going to be off limits.”
For Black Americans, the commission’s work holds profound implications. The Black community has historically suffered from medical racism, environmental injustice, and a lack of access to quality healthcare. Kennedy’s pledge to examine issues such as environmental toxins and pharmaceutical overuse could be particularly relevant. He acknowledged that American institutions have lost public trust, and part of his mission is to restore faith in scientific and medical institutions. His commitment to unbiased research could help address the deep-rooted medical mistrust among Black Americans, which stems from unethical experiments such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and forced sterilizations.
Environmental health is another crucial issue that could impact Black communities. Kennedy, who has long been an advocate for environmental justice, pointed out that many chemicals and pollutants in the environment have had devastating effects on public health. He emphasized that factors like pesticides, electromagnetic radiation, and microplastics must be examined, particularly as Black communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards like lead-contaminated water and poor air quality.
Kennedy also addressed the overmedication of children, raising concerns about the widespread use of psychiatric drugs. He noted that 3.4 million American children are currently taking medication for ADD and ADHD, yet the numbers of diagnoses continue to rise. This is a particularly relevant issue for Black youth, who are more likely to be misdiagnosed with behavioral disorders and overprescribed psychiatric drugs at an early age. The commission’s investigation into pharmaceutical influence and medical practices could bring much-needed attention to this crisis.
Another critical area of concern is Black maternal health. Kennedy did not specifically address maternal mortality in his speech, but his broader focus on chronic disease and overmedicalization aligns with concerns about the high rates of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women, who are three times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than white women. If the commission follows through on its mission, it could lead to changes in how healthcare providers treat Black women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Kennedy’s speech was not only a call for scientific inquiry but also a reflection on the broader implications of health on the human condition. He connected the rise in chronic disease to a deeper spiritual and societal crisis, saying, “Spiritual and physical maladies thrive on one another. They feed on one another.” He described how modern life has left many people feeling disconnected, hopeless, and anxious, a condition he believes contributes to poor health outcomes. “Vested interests and malignant political actors profit and flourish when we are atomized and fragmented and uncertain, when we can be easily propagandized, when we live in fear and helplessness and victimization,” he said.
The Make America Healthy Again Commission has the potential to reshape public health policy and tackle long-standing racial health disparities. However, its success will depend on whether it remains independent of political and corporate influence. Kennedy acknowledged the controversy surrounding his appointment and urged his colleagues to approach this mission with an open mind. “I promise to keep an open mind toward every possibility and every contingency. The health of our people is more important than being right or being vindicated.”
While the commission is still in its early stages, its impact on Black health and wellness will ultimately be determined by the policies it pursues and the extent to which it prioritizes the needs of communities that have long been overlooked. If Kennedy and Trump genuinely commit to health justice, this initiative could be a groundbreaking moment for Black America. However, if the commission fails to address racial disparities, it risks becoming another political maneuver with little lasting impact. As the initiative unfolds, Black communities will be watching closely, demanding accountability, and ensuring that their voices are heard in the fight for better health outcomes.
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