RFK Jr. Highlights Tennessee's Health Policies on 'Take Back Your Health' Tour

U.S. Health Secretary praises state's efforts to address autism, diabetes, and chronic disease rates.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stopped in Nashville as part of his 'Take Back Your Health' tour to discuss changes made during the Trump administration's first year and future healthcare goals. Kennedy praised Tennessee for legislation aimed at improving public health, including prohibiting red dye, enacting fluoride transparency, restricting student cell phones, and submitting a SNAP waiver. He also touted the administration's work to reduce prescription drug prices, partner with tech companies on health records, and use artificial intelligence to combat waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid.

Why it matters

Kennedy's visit highlights the Trump administration's focus on healthcare reform and the role states like Tennessee are playing in implementing policies to address rising rates of chronic disease, autism, and other public health challenges. As the U.S. grapples with an 'existential crisis' in healthcare, Kennedy's tour aims to showcase the administration's efforts to 'make America healthy again'.

The details

During his stop in Nashville, Kennedy discussed increased rates of autism, diabetes and chronic disease in the U.S. and highlighted Tennessee legislation he said is aimed at fixing these issues. This includes prohibiting red dye, enacting fluoride transparency, restricting student cell phones, and submitting a SNAP waiver to USDA. Kennedy also cited the administration's work to reduce prescription drug prices through tariffs, partner with tech companies to improve health record transparency, and use artificial intelligence to combat waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid.

  • Kennedy visited Nashville on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Congress recently passed the Rural Healthcare Transformation Act, which will provide Tennessee with over $200 million in the first year to improve rural healthcare.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary and the son of former U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President whose administration's healthcare policies Kennedy was touting during his visit.

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What they’re saying

“We're all here today because we're facing an existential crisis in our country. When I was a little boy and my uncle was president, we had the best healthcare system in the world, and we had the healthiest people in the world — the healthiest children. And today we have the sickest.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary (WKRN)

“I want to recognize Tennessee for doing their part to make America healthy again, prohibiting red dye, enacting fluoride transparency, restricting student cell phones and submitting a SNAP waiver to USDA.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary (WKRN)

What’s next

Kennedy answered only a few questions from the media during his visit, including one on his thoughts about states passing their own vaccine-related legislation. He said he has not restricted access to vaccines and doesn't plan on it, but he believes in the 'freedom of choice,' and supports states that enact their own vaccine rules.

The takeaway

Kennedy's 'Take Back Your Health' tour highlights the Trump administration's focus on healthcare reform and the role states are playing in implementing policies to address public health challenges like chronic disease, autism, and prescription drug costs. As the U.S. grapples with a healthcare 'existential crisis,' the administration is touting its work to 'make America healthy again' through partnerships, technology, and state-level policy changes.