U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has released a report titled Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), which has sparked significant discussion in lobbying circles. The document highlights a growing health crisis among American children, driven by excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, exposure to harmful chemicals, sedentary lifestyles, and the overuse of pharmaceutical treatments.
The report places particular emphasis on the role of corporate lobbying in shaping public health policy. Kennedy criticizes the “capture” of regulatory agencies such as the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) by the very industries they are meant to oversee. He goes as far as to describe the FDA as a “puppet” of the pharmaceutical industry and warns against the influence of the so-called “deep state” on the agency.
The report also notes that 70% of the average child’s diet consists of ultra-processed foods, contributing to a rise in chronic illnesses. Kennedy underscores that despite $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare spending, the United States ranks among the worst in health outcomes compared to other developed nations.
In response to the report, lobbying groups representing the food and pharmaceutical industries have intensified their efforts. The American Farm Bureau and the Consumer Brands Association have already met with lawmakers in preparation for a potential clash with the MAHA initiative.
Kennedy has pledged to introduce specific reforms within his first 100 days. However, given the entrenched influence of corporate lobbying in Washington, implementing these reforms may face substantial resistance. For professional lobbyists, this signals a new phase of engagement with government — one where the balance between corporate interests and public health is growing increasingly delicate.
