WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Two of the nation’s top health officials are taking their message on the road with a bold new campaign: “Make America Healthy Again.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz kicked off the tour Monday in Indianapolis, highlighting what they call a health crisis gripping the nation.
“We have the sickest country in the world,” Kennedy told the crowd. “A healthy person has a thousand dreams, and a sick person only has one.”
Kennedy cited troubling statistics on youth health, noting that 74% of young Americans are unable to qualify for military service due to medical and fitness issues.
Dr. Oz highlighted the importance of preventative care, saying a shift toward healthier living could significantly reduce chronic illnesses and healthcare costs.
“It turns out that the most patriotic thing you can do these days is to get healthy,” Oz said.
The tour aims to encourage Americans to eat better, exercise more, and prioritize wellness, especially in underserved communities.
However, the initiative is not without criticism. Some lawmakers say the administration’s proposed cuts to federal assistance programs contradict its public health message.
“I welcome any efforts from our state to improve nutrition and healthy eating,” said Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.). “But further restricting access to Medicaid and SNAP is the wrong way to go.”
Despite the criticism, Trump administration officials insist there are no current plans to cut Medicare or Medicaid.
The “Make America Healthy Again” tour is expected to stop in several cities across the country over the coming weeks.
