Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently called President Donald Trump’s eating habits the most “unhinged” he has ever seen, expressing amazement that Trump is still alive given his diet. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded by acknowledging Trump’s personal habits while reaffirming his commitment to public health reforms.
Kennedy made these comments during a January 13 appearance on the “Katie Miller Podcast,” where he discussed new federal nutrition and vaccine guidelines. When asked which administration official had the healthiest and unhealthiest diets, he identified Trump as having the latter, citing his consumption of McDonald’s, candy, and Diet Coke. Trump’s preference for fast food is well-documented, including serving McDonald’s to college football champions at the White House in 2019 and frequenting drive-throughs during the 2024 campaign. Kennedy noted that Trump drinks Diet Coke constantly and relies on such food while traveling, trusting large chains to avoid illness.
Despite criticizing the diet, Kennedy praised Trump’s physical resilience, stating he has “the constitution of a deity” and remains incredibly energetic. He explained that Trump eats healthier meals at Mar-a-Lago or the White House, but opts for fast food on the road for safety reasons. Kennedy also mentioned that Dr. Mehmet Oz, after reviewing medical records, found Trump to have the highest testosterone level for a man over 70, highlighting a contrast between his diet and overall health.
In response, Leavitt spoke to Politico on January 14, emphasizing that while Trump has unique eating habits, he fully supports the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. She highlighted Trump’s belief in parental choice for children’s health and education, aligning with the administration’s policies. Leavitt’s comments came as Trump signed the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act” on January 14, promoting whole milk in schools. During the signing, Trump boasted about his cognitive health, attributing it to milk consumption and claiming to have aced multiple cognitive tests.
The discussion occurs amid ongoing public speculation about Trump’s health, with observations of bruises on his hands, slurred speech, and a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency. Kennedy’s remarks add to this narrative but also underscore the administration’s focus on health policies, such as revised vaccine schedules and dietary guidelines. The exchange reflects the tension between personal health behaviors and public advocacy in the Trump administration.
Overall, this incident illustrates how key figures navigate candid assessments and political messaging, with Kennedy offering a mix of critique and praise, while Leavitt defends Trump’s support for health initiatives. It highlights the ongoing debates about nutrition, health transparency, and leadership in contemporary politics.
