RFK Jr. and Mike Tyson Promote New Food Guidelines

Trump administration officials unveil revamped food pyramid to combat childhood obesity and chronic health issues

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was joined by boxing legend Mike Tyson, medical experts, and other Trump administration officials to announce additional details about a revamped food pyramid aimed at combating rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders among American children. The new guidelines place more emphasis on protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while calling for people to avoid highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates.

Why it matters

The Trump administration is taking on the 'big food industry' and the status quo in an effort to make 'healthy, affordable food accessible to every American.' However, critics argue the new guidelines oversimplify the complex issues surrounding obesity and nutrition.

The details

The new food pyramid guidelines call for more emphasis on protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while advising people to avoid highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates. HHS Secretary Kennedy criticized previous administrations for allowing billions in food subsidies to go toward 'ultraprocessed' food items. He said the changes were driven by President Trump's 'courage to take on the big food industry and challenge the status quo.' Boxing legend Mike Tyson, who appeared in a Super Bowl ad for the 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign, spoke about the prevalence of ultraprocessed foods in his upbringing in Brooklyn and how obesity contributed to his sister's early death.

  • The new food pyramid guidelines were announced in January 2026.
  • The press conference unveiling additional details was held on February 11, 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Health and Human Services Secretary under the Trump administration.

Mike Tyson

A boxing legend who has joined the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign.

Brooke Rollins

The current Agriculture Secretary under the Trump administration.

Marissa Karp

A registered dietitian who has criticized the oversimplification of the new food guidelines.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a small crisis. This is the defining health crisis of our time.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary (UPI)

“The change started because of President Donald Trump because he had the courage to take on the big food industry and challenge the status quo and put healthy American families and American children first.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary (UPI)

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

— Mike Tyson (UPI)

“Processed foods are more than just sodas and candy. Processing exists on a spectrum, and many processed foods like yogurt or pre-cut vegetables are nutritious and accessible.”

— Marissa Karp, Registered Dietitian (HuffPost)

The takeaway

The Trump administration's revamped food pyramid guidelines aim to combat childhood obesity and chronic health issues by emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods over highly processed items. However, critics argue the new guidelines oversimplify the complex factors contributing to obesity and may not provide comprehensive nutritional guidance.