In a sweeping push to reshape America’s approach to health and nutrition, the Trump administration is touting what it calls major victories under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, just 200 days into its second term. From boardrooms of food giants to the halls of government, the campaign’s influence is being felt in everything from fast food menus to federal health policy, with the administration pointing to a series of rapid changes as evidence of its commitment to transforming the nation’s well-being.
According to Breitbart News, President Trump’s renewed focus on health was a central promise during his campaign, and his administration has wasted little time in rolling out a host of initiatives since January 2025. The changes span the public and private sectors, with a particular emphasis on cleaning up America’s food supply—a move that’s drawn both praise and criticism from various quarters.
One of the most visible shifts has come from the food industry itself. Steak & Shake was among the first to act, replacing seed oils in its kitchens with beef tallow, a move that harks back to traditional cooking fats. In-N-Out Burger, a favorite among fast food aficionados, has committed to removing Red Dye 40 and Yellow 5, as well as artificial flavors from its offerings. The ripple effect has reached major food producers: McCormick and PepsiCo have pledged to remove artificial ingredients from select products, while Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé, Conagra Brands Inc., Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Tyson Foods, Hershey, and JM Smucker have all made commitments to phase out artificial or synthetic dyes, at least in some capacity.
Sam’s Club has taken it a step further, announcing the removal of 40 harmful ingredients from its private-label products. The Consumer Brands Association and dozens of ice cream companies have also joined the movement, signaling a broad industry response that, according to the administration, is directly linked to MAHA’s policy pressure and public advocacy.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing development came in July, when President Trump announced that Coca-Cola had agreed to start using real cane sugar in U.S. Coke, a change long demanded by health advocates. The move is seen by some as symbolic, reflecting a broader shift away from high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners in American beverages.
But the administration’s efforts haven’t stopped at the supermarket aisle. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has authorized waivers from six states to limit the use of food stamps—known formally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—for junk food purchases. Rollins also hosted the Great American Farmers Market, a showcase for American agriculture and healthier food options.
These state-level reforms are gathering momentum. On August 8, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced plans to request federal waivers to further reform SNAP within his state, aiming to exclude sugary processed foods and soda. According to a press release from Lee’s office, the proposal would prohibit SNAP purchases of food items where sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar caloric alternatives are the primary ingredient, as well as beverages where carbonated water and sugar or similar are the first two ingredients. The plan would also allow recipients to buy healthier options, such as grilled or rotisserie chicken.
“Tennessee’s proposed waivers will ensure SNAP fulfills its intended purpose of promoting healthier eating habits, supporting improved health outcomes and reducing chronic conditions for low-income families,” the release said. Lee added, “Tennessee is leading the nation in creating innovative solutions to enhance quality of life, and I’m proud to continue our legacy of responsible fiscal stewardship while also delivering nutritious food choices for hard-working families.” He expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for its leadership on the MAHA initiative, as well as to food retailers and producers for helping deliver healthier choices to communities across the state.
The momentum is not limited to Tennessee. Secretary Rollins has already authorized waivers from 12 states—including Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia—banning soda and sugary foods from SNAP. These moves have sparked debate over the role of government in personal dietary choices, but supporters argue that the stakes are too high to ignore.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal advocate for these changes, emphasizing the financial and health costs associated with unhealthy food subsidies. “We are spending $405 million a day on SNAP and about 10% is going to sugary drinks, and if you add candies to that, it’s about 13-17%,” Kennedy said on August 5. He continued, “We all believe in free choice. We live in a democracy—people can make their own choice about what they are going to buy and what they are not going to buy. If you want to buy a sugary soda, you should be able to do that, but the U.S. taxpayer should not pay for it.” Kennedy added pointedly, “U.S. taxpayers should not be paying to feed the poorest kids in the country food that will give them diabetes.”
The MAHA initiative has also targeted broader health issues beyond nutrition. In May, the MAHA Commission released its “Making Our Children Healthy Again” report, which zeroed in on chronic health conditions among American children. The report highlighted concerns about ultra-processed foods, the overmedicalization of children, and exposure to environmental chemicals, ultimately recommending ten areas of research for government agencies to pursue.
On the vaccine front, the Department of Health has tightened standards for coronavirus vaccine booster shots for healthy, low-risk Americans. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has terminated 22 mRNA vaccine development investments, citing data indicating that these vaccines “fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu.” Kennedy explained, “We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.” The Department has also begun reconstituting the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, signaling a broader review of vaccine policy.
Perhaps the most contentious move has been the administration’s stance on so-called “gender affirming care” for children. The Department of Health and Human Services reviewed current practices and found, in its assessment, no true evidence to support gender-affirming surgeries, puberty blockers, or hormone therapy for minors. This position has drawn sharp criticism from progressive lawmakers such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi, but administration officials have stood firm.
White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston summed up the administration’s perspective in a statement to Breitbart News: “President Trump’s pledge to Make America Healthy Again kickstarted a nationwide movement to finally address our chronic disease epidemic. In its first 200 days, the Administration has delivered on the President’s pledge by restoring Gold Standard Science at HHS, partnering with companies to remove artificial ingredients from our food supply, and paving the way for states to embrace MAHA legislation. And the best is yet to come—the Administration is committed to doubling down and continuing to transform American food, health care, and science to Make America Healthy Again.”
As the MAHA initiative enters its next phase, its impact is already being felt in the food Americans eat, the health policies that guide them, and the national conversation about what it means to be healthy in 2025. Whether these changes will deliver the promised improvements in public health remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over America’s health is far from over.
