Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health, publicly endorsed President Trump’s new pricing agreement with pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, securing lower costs and expanded Medicare/Medicaid coverage for weight loss drugs. This move represents a significant shift, given Kennedy’s prior skepticism toward these medications and the pharmaceutical industry.
The deal, which lowers drug prices while increasing accessibility, appears to contradict Kennedy’s past rhetoric. Just a year ago, he criticized Novo Nordisk for profiting from American “addiction to drugs.” However, aligning with Trump’s agenda seems to take precedence, even if it means compromising previously held stances.
Kennedy now frames the drugs as a component of his broader “healthy food campaign,” emphasizing they are not a standalone solution. He maintains that dietary guidelines and physical fitness initiatives remain central to addressing chronic disease. His position is pragmatic: supporting the President’s policy while reiterating his long-term vision.
The shift is notable, given Kennedy’s previous condemnation of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. In 2024, he dismissed them as inferior to a healthy diet, yet now promotes them as a tool within a larger health strategy. This change underscores the political realities of his position: loyalty to the administration outweighs ideological consistency.
The deal’s financial implications are substantial. The Congressional Budget Office estimates expanded Medicare coverage could increase federal spending by $35 billion over nine years. The agreement lowers costs for certain individuals: Zepbound will be available for $449/month for cash payers, while Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries will pay a $50 co-pay.
Despite the financial considerations, some within Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement remain skeptical. Vani Hari (Food Babe) argues against normalizing lifelong injections, while Alex Clark (Culture Apothecary) questions the reliance on pharmaceutical solutions.
This internal tension highlights the challenge Kennedy faces: balancing his movement’s skepticism toward Big Pharma with the President’s policy agenda. Some MAHA supporters prefer cheaper, compounded versions of the drugs, while others advocate for microdosing to minimize side effects.
The situation underscores the broader political dynamics at play. Kennedy’s position is constrained by loyalty to Trump, even as his movement questions the reliance on pharmaceutical solutions. The deal represents a pragmatic compromise: supporting the President’s policy while maintaining a critical stance toward the industry.
Ultimately, Kennedy’s shift reflects the political realities of his role. He navigates a tightrope between his movement’s skepticism and the President’s agenda, prioritizing alignment over consistency. The deal underscores the pragmatic compromise at play: supporting the administration while maintaining a critical stance toward the pharmaceutical industry
