Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes the Make America Healthy Again Commission

February 13, 2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Commission Establishment: President Trump signed an Executive Order on February 13, 2025, to establish the Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Focus on Childhood Chronic Diseases: The Commission is tasked with investigating the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis with an initial emphasis on childhood chronic diseases. It will produce a comprehensive assessment within 100 days and a strategy for improving children’s health within 180 days.
Key Policy Directives:
- Transparency & Open-Source Data: Empower Americans by preventing conflicts of interest in federally funded health research.
- Research Prioritization: Focus federal research funding on gold-standard studies investigating why Americans are getting sick.
- Collaboration with Farmers: Ensure U.S. food is healthy, abundant, and affordable.
- Expanded Treatment Options: Enhance health coverage flexibility to support beneficial lifestyle changes and disease prevention.
Public Engagement & Trust Restoration: The Commission will engage with experts through public hearings, meetings, and roundtables to rebuild trust in medical and scientific institutions.
Context of the Health Crisis:
- Chronic illnesses are increasingly prevalent in both adults and children, with significant economic and national security implications.
- Statistics highlight rising rates of cancer, asthma, and various childhood conditions such as allergies, autism, and obesity.
- The U.S. faces challenges including high healthcare spending, reduced military eligibility due to health issues, and declining public trust in the health system.
Historical Initiatives: The action reaffirms President Trump’s commitment by referencing earlier measures such as:
- The Right To Try Act for terminally ill patients.
- Executive actions to combat kidney disease and advance genetic treatments for Sickle Cell disease.
- Declarations and legislative efforts addressing the opioid crisis.
- Expanding telehealth access in rural and underserved areas.

Risks & Considerations

The establishment of the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission could lead to significant changes in healthcare policy, particularly focusing on childhood chronic diseases. This may impact research priorities and funding allocations, potentially affecting Vanderbilt University’s research initiatives and partnerships.
The emphasis on transparency and open-source data in federally funded health research could necessitate changes in how research is conducted and reported at Vanderbilt, requiring adjustments to ensure compliance with new standards.
The focus on nutrition and collaboration with farmers to ensure healthy food could influence Vanderbilt’s programs related to nutrition, agriculture, and public health, potentially creating opportunities for new research and community engagement initiatives.
The Commission’s efforts to restore trust in medical and scientific institutions may lead to increased scrutiny of research practices and outcomes, impacting how Vanderbilt’s research is perceived and utilized by policymakers and the public.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of expanded treatment options and health coverage flexibility on its healthcare programs and partnerships, particularly in terms of curriculum development and clinical training.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt University Medical Center could be directly impacted by changes in healthcare policy and funding priorities, particularly in areas related to chronic disease research and treatment.
School of Medicine may need to adapt its curriculum and research focus to align with new federal priorities on childhood chronic diseases and preventive healthcare.
Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see increased demand for expertise in public health education and policy, particularly in relation to childhood health and wellness.
The Department of Health Policy may have opportunities to engage in policy analysis and development in response to the Commission’s findings and recommendations.

Financial Impact

Changes in federal research funding priorities could impact Vanderbilt’s grant opportunities, necessitating strategic adjustments in research focus and collaboration efforts.
Potential shifts in healthcare policy and funding could affect Vanderbilt’s healthcare programs and partnerships, influencing tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Opportunities for new funding and partnerships may arise in areas related to nutrition, preventive healthcare, and chronic disease management, potentially benefiting Vanderbilt’s research and community engagement initiatives.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in research and healthcare priorities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt University Medical Center should consider collaborating with the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission to contribute research and expertise on childhood chronic diseases. This could enhance the university’s role in shaping national health policies and strategies.
The School of Medicine should prioritize research initiatives that align with the Commission’s focus on understanding the root causes of chronic diseases. By doing so, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in innovative health research and potentially secure federal funding.
Vanderbilt’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program should explore partnerships with agricultural agencies to promote healthy, abundant, and affordable food options. This aligns with the Commission’s directive to work with farmers and could lead to new research and educational opportunities.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments and policy changes related to health coverage flexibility and expanded treatment options. This will be crucial for adapting Vanderbilt’s health services and insurance offerings to meet new federal guidelines.
Vanderbilt’s Public Health Program should engage in public forums and discussions organized by the Commission to provide expert input and gain insights into national health trends and policy directions.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to expand its research on chronic diseases and contribute to national efforts to improve public health. By aligning with federal priorities, the university can enhance its reputation and influence in the health sector.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on transparency and open-source data in health research. This could lead to new collaborations and funding opportunities for data-driven health initiatives.
The emphasis on restoring trust in medical and scientific institutions offers Vanderbilt a chance to lead initiatives that promote transparency and integrity in health research and education.
By participating in the Commission’s public hearings and roundtables, Vanderbilt can strengthen its network with public health leaders and policymakers, potentially influencing future health policies and practices.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s health-related programs due to alignment with national health priorities.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

Within 100 days: The Commission will produce an assessment on childhood chronic diseases.
Within 180 days: The Commission will produce a strategy to improve the health of America’s children.

Relevance Score: 2

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): HHS is directly impacted as its Secretary chairs the newly established Make America Healthy Again Commission, positioning the department at the forefront of the health crisis investigation and strategy formulation.
Make America Healthy Again Commission: This new Presidential Commission is tasked with assessing and developing strategies to combat the escalating chronic disease crisis, especially among children, thereby becoming a key operative body in the government’s healthcare approach.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are directly impacted by the Executive Order.)

Responsible Officials

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Charged with chairing the Presidential Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate and address the national health crisis, particularly focusing on childhood chronic diseases.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives involve a Cabinet-level official responsible for a critical national commission targeting major public health concerns.)