WASHINGTON, D.C. January 11, 2026 ‘ In an exclusive interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed optimism about growing medical support for updated dietary guidelines, while criticizing conflicts of interest in some health organizations.
Kennedy praised the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for backing what he described as a “new food pyramid” focused on healthier eating. The proposed guidelines, as indicated by on-screen text during the broadcast, emphasize a high-protein diet and significant reductions in sugar intake.
“I’m very gratified that the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics has gotten behind the new food pyramid,” Kennedy said.
However, he noted resistance from other groups, specifically pointing to the American Heart Association (AHA). Kennedy alleged that the AHA receives substantial funding — hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually — from processed food companies, which he said compromises its independence.
“That’s an association that takes hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions of dollars a year from processed food companies,” he stated.
Kennedy emphasized that his department’s priority is eliminating such conflicts to ensure Americans receive unbiased nutritional advice.
“What we’re trying to do is get rid of those conflicts of interest so that Americans can get good health advice and can follow a direction that is going to actually improve American health,” he added.
Following the interview, Kennedy posted a clip on X (formerly Twitter) from his official account @SecKennedy, thanking Bartiromo and reiterating the administration’s commitment to transparent, evidence-based health guidance.
The discussion comes amid ongoing efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to revise national dietary recommendations, which have historically faced criticism for influences from food industry lobbying.
No immediate responses were available from the AMA, AAP, or AHA regarding Kennedy’s comments.
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