RFK Jr. Urges Cattlemen to Boost Beef Production

Health Secretary touts carnivore diet in speech to Nashville livestock producers

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at a conference in Nashville on February 5, urging cattlemen to increase beef production. Kennedy, who says he follows a carnivore diet, praised the livestock producers for keeping beef "at the center of the plate."

Why it matters

Kennedy's comments reflect the Biden administration's support for the beef industry, even as some health experts have raised concerns about the environmental impact of meat production. The carnivore diet, which eliminates all plant-based foods, is a controversial approach that has divided the medical community.

The details

In his speech to the Nashville conference, Kennedy thanked the cattlemen for their efforts to boost beef production, saying "We appreciate all you're doing to keep beef at the center of the plate, which is where we think it ought to be." Kennedy has been vocal about his own adherence to the carnivore diet, which involves eating only animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy.

  • Kennedy spoke at the conference in Nashville on February 5, 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Secretary of Health and a prominent advocate of the carnivore diet, which eliminates all plant-based foods.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate all you're doing to keep beef at the center of the plate, which is where we think it ought to be.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health

The takeaway

Kennedy's speech highlights the ongoing debate over the health and environmental impacts of meat consumption, as the Biden administration continues to support the beef industry despite concerns from some health experts.