Kennedy Shifts Focus to Food Agenda Ahead of Midterms

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pivots away from vaccines to promote 'Eat Real Food' campaign

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is shifting his focus to a new 'Eat Real Food' agenda, featuring a celebrity-filled event at the Department of Health and Human Services. The pivot away from his previous emphasis on vaccine policy comes as polls show vaccine skepticism is unpopular with most voters, while his food and agriculture agenda is more broadly popular. Kennedy is counting on the new food-focused campaign to boost Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.

Why it matters

Kennedy's shift in focus reflects a strategic political calculation within the Trump administration to emphasize issues that unite voters, like healthy eating, rather than the more divisive vaccine policy that has been a signature of Kennedy's tenure so far. The administration is hoping Kennedy's new food agenda can help woo a cross-section of voters ahead of the midterms, even as Democrats plan to counter by highlighting the administration's cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

The details

At the event, Kennedy unveiled new dietary guidelines that flip the traditional food pyramid, putting steak, cheese, and whole milk at the top. He has also declared an end to the 'war on saturated fat' and is stepping up his assault on ultra-processed foods. The campaign features slick marketing, including a new graphic for the upside-down food pyramid and an interactive RealFood.gov website designed by a team led by Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, who joined the Trump administration as the nation's first 'chief design officer'. Boxer Mike Tyson, who embraced the 'Eat Real Food' message in a Super Bowl ad, had top billing at the event.

  • On Wednesday, Kennedy staged the Hollywood-style event promoting his 'Eat Real Food' agenda.
  • In January, Kennedy rolled out new dietary guidelines flipping the old food pyramid.
  • Last month, Trump said he has to be 'very careful that Bobby likes us' during a cabinet meeting.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Health Secretary who is shifting his focus to a new 'Eat Real Food' agenda ahead of the midterm elections, pivoting away from his previous emphasis on vaccine policy.

Mike Tyson

A boxer who embraced Kennedy's 'Eat Real Food' message in a high-profile Super Bowl ad and had top billing at the event.

Joe Gebbia

The billionaire co-founder of Airbnb who joined the Trump administration as the nation's first 'chief design officer' and led the team that designed the new graphics for Kennedy's 'Eat Real Food' campaign.

Donald Trump

The former president who Kennedy called 'a bully' and 'a threat to democracy' when they were opponents, but who Kennedy now praises as the leader who started the 'Eat Real Food' change.

Bobby Mukkamala

The president of the American Medical Association, who joined Kennedy at the event despite being at odds with him on vaccine policy.

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What they’re saying

“Every parent in this country knows that something is wrong with the American diet. Now, for the first time in a generation, you have leaders in Washington who are willing to confront the truth and to change course, and that change started because of President Donald Trump.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary (nytimes.com)

“This is the biggest fight of my life. I want to be a hero in this particular field.”

— Mike Tyson (nytimes.com)

“It's a very good program, and I thought the ad at the Super Bowl was actually a positive sign.”

— Ezekiel Emanuel, Former Biden Advisor (nytimes.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.