Two advisers to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed a large audience in California’s natural products industry, promoting the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement as beneficial for businesses. Del Bigtree, leading the MAHA Action group, claimed that the movement would elevate the supplement and holistic health industries. However, a growing network of well-funded organizations is pushing anti-science legislation, profiting from distrust in traditional medicine.
Activists argue that loosening consumer protections can boost profits for businesses, exemplified by Delaware’s raw milk legislation that aimed to benefit dairy farmers. Advocates like Mark McAfee, head of a major raw milk operation, have testified in favor of such bills despite a history of contamination. Moreover, other activists, including Surgeon General nominee Casey Means, are also profiting from the burgeoning wellness market, which generated $69.3 billion in sales in 2024.
Bigtree’s influence extends into Kennedy’s campaign, as he received substantial payments for his work and has cultivated an anti-vaccine career. Critics point out the irony in the MAHA movement’s criticism of pharmaceutical profits while its leaders benefit from the lucrative wellness market. Activists are encouraged to engage lawmakers, aiming to prioritize alternative health options over pharmaceuticals, which they label as “pharmaceutical company talking points.” The article highlights the intersection of profit and public health advocacy within this movement.
