Clive, Iowa — A Closer Look at MAHA’s Potential

Calley Means, a former senior health adviser, shared insights with Breitbart News on Iowa’s significant role in advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. He highlighted the state’s strong agricultural economy and rising cancer rates, as well as the readiness of Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn to tackle challenging discussions about food and health policy.

The MAHA PAC organized the “Get Out the Vote Rally” on October 28 in Clive, a suburb of Des Moines, ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The rally featured speakers like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Lahn, and Means, alongside various Republican candidates, elected officials, and advocates from health, consumer, and agricultural sectors.

In an exclusive interview after the rally, Means was asked if he saw Iowa as a potential model for implementing MAHA policies in other states and supporting candidates aligned with these goals. He responded affirmatively, calling Iowa “ground zero” for both agriculture and the MAHA message, which emphasizes prioritizing farmers in health discussions.

Means expressed that such progress will require confronting significant questions about the future of agriculture and how to ensure the production of safe, nutritious food. “This ties back to health issues,” he noted. He acknowledged Lahn’s courageous stance on the cancer rates in Iowa, a concern that resonates deeply within many families across the state. He pointed out that, as Kennedy mentioned, the pathway forward involves honest dialogues aimed at achieving better health for Americans and improving food quality.

Means believes the critical conversations about these issues are starting in Iowa, asserting that the state has the potential to influence broader discussions nationwide. His comments followed a resignation announcement from the White House where he expressed profound respect for both President Trump and Bobby Kennedy, reaffirming his dedication to the MAHA movement.

Reflecting on his time within the Trump administration, Means stated, “It was an honor to advocate for MAHA moms and steer pivotal policy changes.” During his address at the rally, he discussed his departure and shared his experience working closely alongside Kennedy.

Means emphasized Kennedy’s integrity and tenacity, describing him as the most fearless individual he’s encountered in the political arena. He indicated that Kennedy is dedicated to fighting for mothers and families against formidable challenges, with Trump supporting this mission, despite the issues posed by an ineffective political system.

He further elaborated on the urgency of the current times, suggesting that the next decade will be decisive for America. He expressed concern over the potential failure of Washington’s institutions, attributing it to a lack of courage and competency among leaders. However, he also held an optimistic viewpoint, believing progress is possible through proactive leadership like that of Kennedy and Lahn.

Means encouraged a culture of inquiry, suggesting that difficult questions, such as the alarming cancer rates in Iowa, need to be addressed—questions that sometimes provoke discomfort among those in positions of influence. He challenged the idea that Iowans cannot manage complex issues, arguing that residents care deeply about both stable agricultural practices and health outcomes for children.

Moreover, he pointed out the connection between the well-being of farmers and that of the general population, asserting that corporations and pharmaceutical companies profit from ongoing health crises, often at the expense of farmers and families. He underscored the need to respect farmers as essential to resolving the health crisis facing the nation.

Means concluded by highlighting the urgent need to address systemic corruption in politics, stating that it underlies various crises faced by Americans today. He called attention to the importance of leaders like Lahn, who are willing to confront uncomfortable truths, paving the way for authentic changes in policy and practice.