The Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative is poised to propose changes to U.S. dietary guidelines, sparking widespread debate. The plan, spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggests a shift in dietary recommendations that could see the reintroduction of foods traditionally deemed unhealthy.

Kennedy plans to advocate for increased consumption of foods rich in saturated fats, such as butter, cheese, milk, and red meat. He argues that these foods have been unjustly criticized over the years and believes they should play a more significant role in the American diet. The proposed updates to the dietary guidelines could be announced as early as this month.

In a statement, Kennedy emphasized the importance of revising the guidelines to reflect a more balanced view of nutrition. “We aim to offer new dietary guidelines that incorporate common sense and emphasize the inclusion of saturated fats from dairy, quality meats, and fresh vegetables,” he said. “Once unveiled, these guidelines will provide a foundation for incorporating healthier eating habits in schools nationwide.”

“New dietary guidelines that are common sense, that stress the need to eat saturated fats of dairy, of good meat, of fresh meat and vegetables … when we release those, it will give everybody the rationale for driving it into our schools,” Kennedy said.

More saturated fats will make Americans less healthy, experts argue

Kennedy has long argued that refined carbohydrates and ultraprocessed foods are the main culprits of an unhealthy diet and that they have largely been ignored in conversations surrounding obesity and inflammation.

Currently, U.S. dietary guidelines, which are updated every five years, suggest Americans limit saturated fats to 10% of their daily calorie intake. However, the American Heart Association advises keeping that intake under 6%.

Kennedy’s shift from the decades-long consensus has already generated concern from some medical professionals, who argue that the science is clear: more saturated fats will make Americans less healthy.

“We consume too much added sugars, we consume too much saturated fat,” said Eve Stoody, U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition guidance and analysis division director. “We have a large nutrition problem, and I think it needs action across multiple fronts.”

The American Heart Association has warned that saturated fats raise so-called “bad” cholesterol levels and are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.