Trump administration is changing the food pyramid — promoting protein and fats

New Nutrition Guidelines from the Trump Administration

WASHINGTON – New nutrition guidelines from the Trump administration aim to shake up traditional dietary advice by promoting high protein and healthy fats while discouraging highly processed foods and refined carbs, officials announced.

A press conference is set for Wednesday, featuring Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. They’ll unveil the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, highlighting the benefits of reducing chronic diseases nationwide.

The new guidelines prioritize high-quality proteins like chicken, lean meat, and beans, while endorsing fats from eggs and dairy. They’re also advocating for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are high in fiber. On the flip side, starchy carbs such as white bread and sweetened beverages, as well as prepackaged snacks like chips and cookies, are being phased out.

A primary aim of this “Whole Foods Framework” is to cut health care expenses, given the U.S. is grappling with rising obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions—which cost taxpayers around $600 billion a year, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.

Notably, about 78% of participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program also rely on Medicaid. Officials are optimistic that other incentives could significantly lower chronic disease rates in the country.

While the move won’t directly modify SNAP, which serves over 40 million Americans, it could raise standards for more than 100 federal school lunch programs managed by various agencies.

This shift is expected to enhance nutrition quality in school lunches, military meals, and services for veterans, catering to President Kennedy’s pledge to “Make America Healthy Again”—a promise aimed at voters in his 2024 campaign.

“Our obesity rate is five times higher than that of any other developed nation,” an official remarked. “It’s undeniably linked to our eating habits.”

Kennedy’s MAHA initiative gained traction during his presidential campaign, and he continues to advocate for a diet rich in protein.

In a visit to West Virginia in March 2025, the health secretary shared diet tips and humorously offered to become Gov. Patrick Morrissey’s personal trainer.

Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, voiced support in a statement, emphasizing the need for practical applications of dietary science in everyday health care.

Mukkamala highlighted, “These guidelines shine a light on the dangers of highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess sodium, which contribute to various health issues. They reinforce the notion that food can serve as medicine.”

The AMA is determined to collaborate with Congress for long-term nutritional improvements, while also providing educational resources for both medical students and practitioners, facilitating discussions about food’s role in health maintenance and chronic disease treatment.

Previously, the USDA transitioned from the food pyramid to MyPlate in 2011, a shift led by then-First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, focusing more on the carbohydrate foundation in a well-rounded diet.

A fact sheet from the Trump administration criticized the Biden administration for allegedly hindering progress in addressing chronic diseases by placing emphasis on equity within nutrition guidelines.

“We reject this approach. A sound, science-driven framework is crucial for reopening discussions on cultural food procurement, ensuring Americans have access to healthy, affordable food,” the document stated.