On January 8, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared a joint opinion piece in Fox News, unveiling the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030. These guidelines advocate for a significant shift towards real foods, emphasizing the importance of incorporating more protein, dairy, and vegetables into daily diets while reducing the consumption of highly processed foods.
In their powerful statement, Rollins and Kennedy expressed, “At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food.” This initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle the current health crisis facing the nation, which has seen alarming statistics regarding obesity and chronic disease.
The Trump administration proudly heralded the new Dietary Guidelines as the most substantial reset of federal nutrition policy in U.S. history. The core message is clear: Americans should focus on eating real food. This encompasses a diet rich in protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains, while dramatically reducing the intake of highly processed foods that are often high in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives.
The call for change comes as the United States grapples with a national health emergency. A staggering 90% of healthcare expenditure is directed towards managing chronic diseases, many of which stem from dietary choices rather than genetic predisposition. The current standard American diet, characterized by high levels of processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, has led to devastating health outcomes.
More than 70% of American adults are now classified as overweight or obese, and nearly one in three adolescents aged 12 to 17 are facing prediabetes. These alarming trends not only affect individual health but also pose risks to national security, as many young Americans are disqualified from military service due to diet-related health issues.
For decades, federal policies have incentivized the consumption of low-quality, highly processed foods while neglecting preventive health measures. This misguided approach has resulted in a public health crisis. However, thanks to the decisive leadership of President Donald Trump, a new chapter has begun. The Dietary Guidelines aim to realign our food system with the support of American farmers and ranchers, who are crucial in providing high-quality, nutritious food.
These guidelines underscore the fact that the national health crisis is a collective issue that requires a comprehensive response. Rollins and Kennedy are calling on various stakeholders—including healthcare professionals, insurers, educators, community leaders, industry, and lawmakers at all levels—to unite in this mission.
As we embrace the new year, the message is clear: let’s recommit to Making America Healthy Again. Through the promotion of real food and a focus on nourishment, resilience, and long-term health, we can initiate real improvements in the health of our nation.
Brooke L. Rollins serves as the 33rd Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. holds the position of the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.