Trump Make America Healthy Again Commission 

The President of the United States signed an executive order to address the alarming rise of chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and other health-related issues that have been affecting the nation’s population. This initiative is designed to tackle significant challenges such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, autism, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, as well as to improve the overall health of Americans. The overarching goal is to reverse the negative health trends and create a healthier future for the nation, especially for children. Below, we will explore the key points of this executive order and the mission of the newly established “Make America Healthy Again Commission.”  Health Challenges Facing Americans  The United States currently faces many health-related challenges that severely impact the well-being of its citizens. American life expectancy is lower compared to other developed countries, with the average life expectancy at 78.8 years before the COVID-19 pandemic, while other countries average 82.6 years. This translates to 1.25 billion fewer life years for the American population. Chronic diseases are widespread, with six in 10 Americans living with at least one chronic condition, and four in 10 living with two or more. Mental health issues are also on the rise, with one in five adults in the U.S. living with a mental illness.  These statistics are particularly alarming when compared to other countries. For example, the U.S. has the highest incidence of cancer among 204 countries and territories, and the rates of asthma, autism spectrum disorder, and autoimmune diseases are disproportionately high in the U.S. compared to other nations. In addition, children are increasingly affected by chronic health issues. In 2022, around 30 million children, or 40.7 percent, had at least one health condition, such as allergies, asthma, or autoimmune diseases. The rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease are also rising at an alarming pace. 

The Need for Change  

This rising tide of chronic health issues is not only a matter of public health but also has far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy and security. For example, 77 percent of young adults do not meet the health standards required to join the military, and 90 percent of the nation’s $4.5 trillion annual healthcare spending goes toward treating chronic conditions. The overall health of Americans is declining, and the country’s medical system is failing to effectively address these issues. To reverse this trend, the federal government is taking a comprehensive approach that focuses on improving public health through better nutrition, lifestyle changes, reducing reliance on medication, and improving environmental and healthcare conditions.  The Mission of the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission  To address these challenges, the President has established the Make America Healthy Again Commission. This commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will focus on studying and reversing the growing health crisis in the U.S., especially regarding chronic diseases and childhood health issues. The commission will bring together various federal agencies and departments to collaborate on finding solutions to improve the health of Americans, with a particular emphasis on children’s health.  Composition of the Commission  The Commission will be composed of key government officials, including The Secretary of Agriculture The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development The Secretary of Education The Secretary of Veterans Affairs The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency The Director of the Office of Management and Budget The Assistant to the President for Policy The Director of the National Economic Council The Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy The Commissioner of Food and Drugs The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Director of the National Institutes of Health    In addition to these members, other members of the administration may be invited to participate.  The Commission’s Initial Focus on Childhood Chronic Disease  The first mission of the commission is to focus on childhood chronic diseases, which are reaching unprecedented levels in the U.S. The commission will examine the causes of this health crisis, including diet, environmental factors, medical treatments, lifestyle, and government policies. The commission will also advise the President on the most effective strategies to reduce childhood chronic diseases and raise awareness among the American public.  The commission will be tasked with conducting an in-depth study on the state of childhood chronic diseases in America and comparing it to other countries. It will assess factors such as overuse of medication, harmful food ingredients, environmental toxins, and lifestyle habits that contribute to chronic health conditions in children. The commission will also examine the potential impact of prescription drugs, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and weight-loss drugs, on children’s health.  In addition, the commission will evaluate current educational programs on nutrition, physical activity, and mental health for children, as well as the effectiveness of federal programs designed to prevent and treat childhood health issues. One of the key goals of the commission is to ensure that all relevant data on childhood chronic diseases is transparent and available to the public.  

Strategy and Recommendations 

Within 100 days of the order, the commission will submit an assessment of the state of childhood health in the U.S., detailing the scope of the crisis and the contributing factors. It will also propose a strategy to restructure the federal government’s response to the childhood health crisis, including recommending the elimination of ineffective practices and introducing new solutions. The commission will work to restore the integrity of scientific research by ensuring transparency and removing undue industry influence.  The commission will also identify best practices for preventing childhood health problems, such as promoting healthy diets and lifestyles. Additionally, it will review the effectiveness of existing federal programs aimed at preventing and treating childhood health issues.  Ongoing Work and Future Reports  Following the submission of the initial strategy, the commission will continue to work on updating the President on progress and making further recommendations. These recommendations may include updates to the commission’s mission and strategies to address the health crisis more effectively.  General Provisions  The executive order clarifies that nothing in the order will interfere with the authority of other executive departments or agencies. The commission will work in accordance with the law and ensure that its activities are properly funded. Additionally, the order is not intended to create any enforceable rights or benefits, but rather to help guide the federal government in its efforts to improve the health of the American people. The President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission represents a major step toward addressing the growing health crisis in the U.S. By focusing on chronic diseases, childhood health issues, and improving overall public health, the commission aims to bring about a transformation in the way health is approached in the United States. Through collaboration between various government agencies and the development of a comprehensive strategy, this initiative aims to make the nation healthier, stronger, and more resilient in the face of ongoing health challenges. The commission’s work will be critical in shaping the future of health policy in America and improving the well-being of generations to come.