Meet the MAHA Faction Targeting EPA Chemical Policies
Key figures from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement are raising concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed updates to its chemical evaluation rule. Over the past week, the advocacy arm known as MAHA Action, which maintains close ties to Kennedy, has mobilized supporters to oppose the Trump administration’s revisions to the EPA framework used for risk assessment of existing chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
“This is absolutely not in alignment with MAHA,” said Alexandra Muñoz, an advocate with a doctorate in molecular and genetic toxicology, during MAHA Action’s weekly media webinar last Wednesday.
The campaign emerges amid EPA’s accelerating deregulation efforts favoring industry interests — a process that has unsettled public health advocates and cast doubt on MAHA’s influence over the agency’s policy direction. The movement, rooted in Kennedy’s four decades as an environmental attorney and advocate, initially focused on environmental protection. However, its current leadership directs much of its attention to reforming the nation’s food and pharmaceutical sectors — areas more directly overseen by the Health and Human Services Department, which encompasses the Food and Drug Administration.
Author’s Summary
MAHA Action, aligned with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is opposing EPA’s deregulation push, emphasizing independence from industry influence and a stronger focus on public health policy.