By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reaffirmed his support for President Donald Trump on Friday, Nov. 6, defending the administration’s Make America Healthy Again agenda and pledging to continue confronting corporate influence over federal health policy. His statement followed allegations from former administration adviser Calley Means that senior White House officials had obstructed major health initiatives, particularly those involving ultraprocessed foods and the herbicide glyphosate.
In a statement published on X, Kennedy emphasized his commitment to the president and highlighted changes to federal nutrition policy, food manufacturing practices and the regulation of ingredients used in the American food supply. He argued that longstanding relationships between government officials and powerful industries had impeded meaningful health reforms under both Republican and Democratic administrations, but maintained that the administration remained committed to addressing those problems.
“Draining the swamp is a mandate, and we have an obligation to deliver,” Kennedy wrote. “Entrenched interests have exercised power in Washington under both parties for decades. President Trump and I intend to keep fighting until the American people—not corporate influence—drive our health policies.”
Kennedy specifically defended the administration’s progress on nutrition and food safety, identifying revised dietary guidelines, voluntary industry commitments to eliminate certain artificial ingredients and expanded federal scrutiny of chemicals already permitted in foods. The secretary also cited a proposed change to the Food and Drug Administration’s oversight of ingredients designated generally recognized as safe, or GRAS, under which manufacturers have historically been able to introduce certain substances without first notifying federal regulators.
“I stand firmly behind President Trump and the historic reforms we are advancing together,” Kennedy continued. “In less than two years, this administration has rewritten federal dietary guidelines to emphasize real food, secured commitments from major food companies to remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes and other additives, launched systematic reviews of chemicals already in our food supply, and proposed requiring companies to notify the FDA before introducing ingredients they independently deem safe.”
The comments came shortly after Means, a prominent advocate of the MAHA movement who resigned from the administration in October, criticized senior White House advisers during a lengthy appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. Means alleged that officials responsible for political strategy and White House operations had repeatedly prevented Kennedy’s department from advancing reforms opposed by major corporations. According to Axios’ Nov. 6 reporting, Means described a concentrated group of advisers who exercised substantial influence over administration decisions, including policies involving food additives and agricultural chemicals.
Means’ allegations focused partly on the administration’s handling of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide and the active ingredient in Roundup. He criticized the White House’s support for Bayer, which owns Roundup manufacturer Monsanto, in litigation concerning whether federal pesticide labeling requirements preempt certain state-law claims. Means contended that Kennedy had been excluded from important discussions surrounding glyphosate policy and accused senior advisers of prioritizing agricultural and chemical industry interests over the movement’s health objectives. Those allegations have not been established as findings of misconduct, and the administration has defended its regulatory decisions as consistent with federal law and broader agricultural priorities.
The dispute also involved proposed federal standards for ultraprocessed foods. MAHA advocates have sought a government definition that could guide food labeling, federal nutrition programs and future regulation, arguing that consumers need greater transparency about industrially formulated products. Food manufacturers have expressed concerns that new requirements could increase production costs and consumer prices. Means said repeated delays in reaching an agreement contributed to his resignation and reflected a broader failure to deliver on the promises made to health-focused voters during the 2024 presidential campaign.
Kennedy’s statement did not directly address Means by name or respond individually to the allegations against White House advisers. Instead, it highlighted the administration’s existing initiatives and reiterated his support for Trump, presenting the MAHA agenda as an ongoing effort rather than one abandoned by the White House. The response followed the departure of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, whom Means had identified among the officials he believed were obstructing health reforms. Trump announced Friday that Stephen Miller would replace Wiles beginning Nov. 9, while Wiles would move to the president’s political operation.
The administration has introduced several changes affecting federal nutrition policy since Trump returned to office in January 2025. Updated dietary recommendations have placed greater emphasis on whole foods and limiting highly processed products, while federal agencies have encouraged manufacturers to eliminate certain synthetic food dyes and additives. Kennedy has also supported efforts to examine substances already used in commercially manufactured foods and reconsider how regulators assess their safety.
The proposal to require additional notification for ingredients designated generally recognized as safe could alter an important element of federal food regulation. Under the existing framework, manufacturers may independently determine that certain ingredients meet the GRAS standard without submitting those determinations for FDA review, provided applicable legal requirements are satisfied. Critics argue that the process allows companies too much discretion, while industry representatives maintain that it permits efficient evaluation of ingredients with established safety records. Kennedy’s proposed changes would strengthen federal awareness of those determinations, although the final regulatory requirements and implementation schedule remain unresolved.
The broader MAHA movement has also promoted changes involving school nutrition, chronic disease prevention, agricultural practices and restrictions on certain food purchases through federal assistance programs. Supporters argue that the United States should place greater emphasis on preventing diet-related illnesses, while critics have challenged some of the movement’s scientific claims and expressed concern about the administration’s approach to vaccines and public health institutions. Those disagreements have contributed to tensions among MAHA advocates, particularly over which policies should receive priority and how rapidly federal agencies should act.
According to Associated Press reporting on Means’ resignation, the former adviser had played an important role in promoting food reform initiatives and strengthening the political alliance between Trump and Kennedy. His departure highlighted frustration among some supporters over the pace of regulatory changes, even as administration officials credited him with helping advance several priorities involving nutrition and food ingredients.
Kennedy’s public declaration also comes as Democrats prepare to assume control of both chambers of Congress following Tuesday’s midterm elections. Incoming congressional leaders have indicated that they intend to examine federal health policy decisions and the administration’s management of government agencies. The change in congressional leadership could complicate efforts to advance legislation, although HHS and the FDA retain regulatory authority over numerous food safety and public health matters.
For Kennedy, the immediate challenge involves continuing the administration’s stated health reform agenda while addressing criticism from former allies who believe corporate interests have limited its progress. His Friday statement made clear that he intends to remain aligned with Trump and pursue additional changes to food regulation, ingredient oversight and federal nutrition policy despite those disagreements.
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