Mike Tyson Tapped as Healthy Eating Advocate for Trump Administration

Former heavyweight boxing champion lends his image to 'Eat Real Food' campaign

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Boxing legend Mike Tyson, who has faced both triumph and controversy in his life, has taken on a new role as a healthy eating ambassador for the Trump administration. Tyson, who has struggled with weight issues and obesity in the past, is the face of a new ad campaign promoting whole, unprocessed foods over ultra-processed products. The campaign aims to encourage Americans to adopt healthier eating habits to combat rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Why it matters

Tyson's personal story of overcoming weight challenges and health issues makes him a compelling spokesperson for the administration's efforts to shift American dietary habits. As a high-profile public figure, Tyson's involvement could help raise awareness and drive behavioral changes, especially in underserved communities where access to nutritious foods is limited.

The details

In a new black and white commercial, the 59-year-old Tyson recounts his difficult childhood in the poverty-stricken Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, where he battled weight issues and consumed junk food regularly. Tyson says he once weighed as much as 345 pounds and struggled with 'self-hate' that made him want to 'kill' himself. The campaign's slogan is 'Eat Real Food,' in contrast to the ultra-processed products that dominate the American diet and contribute to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

  • The new ad campaign featuring Tyson aired during the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Tyson spoke about his role as a healthy eating advocate at an event with US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Mike Tyson

A former heavyweight boxing champion who has faced both triumph and controversy in his life, including a rape conviction and prison sentence, as well as a notorious fight in which he bit off part of an opponent's ear. Tyson is now serving as a healthy eating ambassador for the Trump administration, lending his image to an 'Eat Real Food' ad campaign.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current US Health Secretary, who has championed the 'Make America Healthy Again' slogan and recently flipped the American food pyramid to emphasize the consumption of meat and whole-milk dairy products over fiber-rich whole grains.

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What they’re saying

“This is the biggest fight of my life.”

— Mike Tyson (Breitbart)

“Where I come from is Brownsville, Brooklyn. It's the most violent, poverty-struck neighborhood in the city of New York. And ultra-processed food was just the norm.”

— Mike Tyson (Breitbart)

“I had so much self-hate. I just wanted to kill myself.”

— Mike Tyson (Breitbart)

What’s next

The Trump administration is expected to continue promoting Tyson's involvement in the 'Eat Real Food' campaign through additional public events and media appearances in the coming months.

The takeaway

Mike Tyson's personal journey from struggling with obesity and poor health to becoming a healthy eating advocate highlights the challenges many Americans face in accessing and adopting nutritious diets. His high-profile role in the Trump administration's efforts to shift dietary habits could help raise awareness and drive positive change, especially in underserved communities.