Trump Launches Initiative to Tackle Autism and Chronic Diseases with New Commission

FIRST ON FOX: President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Thursday to create the Make America Healthy Again Commission. This initiative will be led by the newly confirmed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as reported by Fox News Digital.

The mission of the commission is clear. It aims to investigate and address the underlying causes of the growing health crisis in America, with a primary focus on childhood chronic diseases. The commission’s creation aligns with the administration’s commitment to improving public health outcomes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Helm

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. officially accepted his role as the nation’s Health and Human Services Secretary on Thursday. He is expected to be sworn in later in the afternoon. Under his leadership, the commission intends to restore trust in medical and scientific institutions.

To achieve its goals, the commission will conduct public hearings, meetings, and roundtable discussions designed to gather insights from health leaders and experts across the nation.

Four Key Policy Directives

Fox Digital has learned that the commission will focus on four primary policy directives aimed at reversing chronic disease:

Providing transparency in health data to prevent conflicts of interest in federally funded health research.
Prioritizing rigorous research into the reasons behind the rising rates of illness among Americans.
Collaborating with farmers to ensure the food supply is both healthy and affordable.
Expanding health coverage options that promote beneficial lifestyle changes and disease prevention.

The initial emphasis on childhood chronic diseases will include conditions such as autism and fatty liver disease. The commission will also explore adult chronic diseases like asthma, and it will examine the U.S. life expectancy in comparison to other nations.

Immediate Objectives and Timelines

Within the first 100 days of its establishment, the commission is expected to publish a comprehensive assessment. This document will summarize existing knowledge about the childhood chronic disease crisis and highlight what additional questions need to be answered. Furthermore, the assessment will include international comparisons to offer a broader perspective on the issues at hand.

After 180 days, the commission aims to develop a strategic plan based on the initial findings, effectively targeting the health of America’s children.

Highlighting Autism on the National Agenda

Trump and Kennedy have expressed their shared commitment to making America healthier, with a particular focus on autism rates. Recent statistics reveal that autism now affects approximately one in 36 children, compared to just one in 10,000 two decades ago. This alarming trend has raised concerns within the administration.

During the campaign, Trump underscored these statistics when discussing the health objectives of his upcoming administration. He noted, “When you look at autism from 25 years ago, and you look at it now, something’s going on.” This rhetoric emphasizes a sense of urgency in addressing these health challenges.

A Clear Message Against Industry Influence

Trump has also committed to forming a special Presidential Commission composed of independent experts free from corruption by pharmaceutical interests. He will charge this body with investigating the decades-long rise in chronic illnesses.

Senate Confirmation of Kennedy

On Thursday, the Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services with a vote of 52-48. During his confirmation hearings, he experienced protests and questioning from the Democrats regarding his past stances on vaccines.

As a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, Kennedy previously ran as a Democrat and eventually endorsed Trump after suspending his own campaign. During his confirmation, he made it clear that he does not oppose vaccinations.

Kennedy stated, “I have been working for years to raise awareness about toxic chemicals,” and emphasized that he believes in the critical role vaccines play in health care.

Setting a New Standard for Health Policy

The creation of the Make America Healthy Again Commission marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s approach to health care policy. With a clear focus on childhood diseases and an inclusive strategy that involves collaboration with various stakeholders, this initiative seeks to address long-standing health issues affecting countless Americans.

As the commission moves forward, it will be essential to monitor its progress and assess whether it successfully mitigates the challenges posed by chronic diseases and restores public trust in health systems.

Ultimately, this initiative reflects an important shift in national health policy, emphasizing the need for transparency, collaboration, and genuine commitment to improving health outcomes for all Americans.