The Economist.
His opening statement had a litany of promises.
If confirmed, he would make sure American tax dollars support healthy food.
Additives would be scrutinized.
Health research would be science-driven and free of conflicts of interest.
And the nation would be put back on the road to health.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was indeed confirmed by the Senate,
and he has been Health Secretary for a year.
So, how's the bill of health for the Department of Health and Human Services?
One year since Kennedy made his promises, is America healthier again?
I'm Charlotte Howard and this is Checks and Balance from The Economist.
Each week we take one big theme shaping American politics and explore it in depth.
Today: What has been the effect of the Make America Healthy Again movement?
From restrictions on mRNA vaccines to the regulation of food dyes,
the Health Secretary and MAHA movement back ideas
that cross traditional boundaries between right and left.
But what happens when theories that were once fringe move to the center of power?
With a professional skeptic in charge, what has been the effect on American health?
With me this week are James Bennet, who is in New Hampshire.
Where are you?