Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, revealed in January that his personal diet consists solely of meat and fermented foods – a practice known as a carnivore diet. The statement, made to a USA Today reporter, comes as the administration under President Donald Trump increasingly promotes a re-evaluation of long-held dietary guidelines.
The shift in messaging from Washington is not limited to Kennedy’s personal choices. Martin Makary, the current Food and Drug Administration commissioner, recently argued in a podcast interview that “government needs to stop spreading misinformation that natural and saturated fats are terrible for you.” He framed the principles of “whole foods and clean meats” as “biblical,” signaling a broader ideological alignment within the administration.
This promotion of meat consumption follows a concerted effort by the meat industry to rebrand its products, a trend documented as early as 2024. Industry-backed campaigns sought to improve the reputation of meat while simultaneously undermining the perceived benefits of plant-based alternatives, according to reports from earlier in the year. These efforts included funding research at public universities aimed at portraying industrial meat production as climate-friendly.
The resurgence of pro-meat messaging gained further momentum with Kennedy’s appointment and the influence of his “Create America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement. While Kennedy has not taken sole credit for the shift, his endorsement of regenerative and organic agriculture – presented as a vision of small, idyllic farms – has resonated with supporters. This vision sharply contrasts with the realities of large-scale factory farming.
The embrace of the carnivore diet, and meat in general, has also gained traction on social media, with influencers sharing testimonials of weight loss and increased energy. Although, this trend has been met with criticism from health experts, who warn of potential nutritional deficiencies and question the long-term viability of such a restrictive diet. The hashtag #CarnivoreDiet has gained prominence, fueling debate about nutrition and food regulation.
Despite the growing popularity of the carnivore diet, scientific consensus remains that a diet high in saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease. This contradicts claims of misinformation being spread by government agencies, as asserted by Commissioner Makary. The trend has prompted concern, with some observers noting the prevalence of unsubstantiated dietary advice circulating on social media, particularly within the MAHA movement.
In February, a doctor was quoted on LinkedIn declaring “there is zero scientific evidence to say that vegetables are required in the human diet,” a statement that underscores the extent to which established nutritional science is being challenged. Vilgain, a company offering a “carnivore diet checker,” has also entered the market, supporting dietary compliance and performance.
