Food industry slams RFK Jr.’s policies for ‘taking America in the wrong direction’ and issues shocking ultimatum to Trump

America’s food-makers have told Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers to choose between the food industry and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The ultimatum comes after the industry’s traditional allies in the GOP mostly kept quiet as Kennedy, now the Health Secretary, called their products poison and blamed them for chronic disease.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is leading the charge with a video and report called “Manufacturers Feed America.” Jay Timmons, CEO of NAM, warns that the food industry is “under increasing strain,” and federal and state rules targeting ingredients really “risk undermining the system.” He’s pointed out that anytime you increase the regulatory burden or change a system, you inevitably drive up the cost of products.

NAM is demanding national uniform standards for food production and wants a seat at the table to discuss policies stemming from Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda. Timmons previously warned that MAHA would “take America in the wrong direction.” NAM’s membership includes giants like jam-maker Smucker’s, spice- and condiment-maker McCormick & Co., and processed meats producer Smithfield Foods.

This is one RFK agenda I can stand behind. It’s his method that isn’t sustainable

Kennedy wants to end a rule that has allowed food-makers to add new ingredients to products without much regulatory scrutiny. Plus, he’s been pushing states to regulate ingredients, which creates a messy patchwork of rules for manufacturers to navigate. Timmons calls this a “business killer,” explaining that even small changes in costs or potential costs can be incredibly disruptive, potentially leading to food shortages or a lack of investment. 

NAM, usually a strong ally of Republicans in Washington, isn’t alone in feeling this way. The video features statements from other major players like the Consumer Brands Association, the American Beverage Association, and the American Frozen Food Institute. 

With midterms looming, Trump has tried to recalibrate his messaging on MAHA, signing an executive order to boost glyphosate production, a weedkiller that was on Kennedy’s kill list. Kennedy has also shifted his focus, touting new dietary guidelines and drug pricing deals over vaccines. He even endorsed a Super Bowl ad that promoted the slogan “Eat Real Food.”

Trump’s longstanding promise to rebuild America’s factory towns also conflicts with Kennedy’s goals. During his State of the Union address, he focused on affordability, boasting about dropping prices and blaming Democrats for inflation, a move designed to address voter frustration over higher costs of living. Even though inflation has eased a bit, the annual food inflation rate is still higher than when Trump took office.

Kennedy believes that the deference policymakers showed food companies in the past was a byproduct of the “Washington swamp.” Last year, he told the House Appropriations Committee that he wanted his agencies to research links between food and disease, claiming government officials “buried” data for large industries. States have followed his lead, introducing bills to address ingredients. 

NAM has said that it’s vital for the administration to recognize the business and economic realities underpinning their decisions.