Introduction to the MAHA Anti-Science Push
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been gaining momentum across the United States. Two of Kennedy’s advisers recently spoke at a natural products industry trade show in California, where they addressed an audience of tens of thousands of people from various companies, including food brands, investment banks, and supplement sellers. Their message was clear: the goals of the MAHA movement will help these companies’ bottom lines.
The Benefits of MAHA for Businesses
Del Bigtree, one of the advisers, stated that the MAHA movement will carry the supplement industry, holistic health industry, chiropractors, and acupuncturists into the "promised land." Bigtree’s comments were made at the ExpoWest trade show, where market research presented showed the supplement industry reached $69.3 billion in sales in 2024. This lucrative market is benefiting from the MAHA movement, with companies like TrueMed, which promotes wellness alternatives, and the Raw Milk Institute, which advocates for the sale of raw milk, gaining financially.
Helping Businesses through MAHA
The MAHA movement is fueled by a web of well-funded national groups led by people who have profited from sowing distrust of medicine and science. One way activists promote their ideas is through state legislation, where supporters argue that making money or increasing sales for businesses is a reason to pass bills that remove consumer protections. For example, a bill in Delaware legalizing raw milk sales last year stated that it "may increase profits for Delaware dairy producers." The bill’s synopsis cited the Raw Milk Institute, which was founded by California farmer Mark McAfee, who has testified in more than half a dozen states to increase access to raw milk.
Gaining from Activism
Many people involved in groups pushing anti-science bills have built lucrative careers on their stance and benefited from the millions of dollars that flow through the movement. Del Bigtree’s companies have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars working on Kennedy’s presidential campaign and from other Kennedy-affiliated groups. Bigtree has also asked supporters to buy bricks to pave a terrace at his organization’s offices, with prices ranging from $100 to $300. Tony Lyons, who runs MAHA Action and other MAHA-related groups, leads Kennedy’s longtime publisher, Skyhorse, which has published numerous anti-vaccine books by Kennedy and others.
The Raw Milk Industry
The raw milk industry is a prime example of how the MAHA movement is benefiting businesses. Mark McAfee’s Raw Farm LLC is the world’s largest producer of raw milk, and his operation has grown from $8 million in annual sales in 2012 to an expected $32 million this year. However, McAfee’s farm has had eight recalls related to raw milk products since 2015, and his farm was identified as the source of a salmonella outbreak that sickened at least 165 people last year. Despite this, McAfee continues to advocate for the sale of raw milk, and his farm is expected to continue to grow financially.
Conclusion
The MAHA anti-science push is benefiting a range of businesses, from supplement sellers to raw milk producers. While the movement’s leaders claim to be motivated by a desire to promote health and wellness, it is clear that they are also driven by financial interests. As the movement continues to gain momentum, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of removing consumer protections and promoting unproven or potentially harmful products.
FAQs
- What is the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement?
The MAHA movement is a campaign led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that aims to promote health and wellness through the sale of supplements, raw milk, and other products. - Who benefits from the MAHA movement?
The MAHA movement benefits a range of businesses, including supplement sellers, raw milk producers, and companies that promote wellness alternatives. - Is the MAHA movement driven by financial interests?
Yes, the MAHA movement is driven in part by financial interests, with many of its leaders having built lucrative careers on their stance and benefiting from the millions of dollars that flow through the movement. - What are the potential consequences of the MAHA movement?
The potential consequences of the MAHA movement include the removal of consumer protections, the promotion of unproven or potentially harmful products, and the growth of industries that prioritize profits over public health.
