President Trump came into office with a clear mandate: confront America’s chronic disease epidemic, challenge a failed healthcare status quo, and Make America Healthy Again. Under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., HHS has spent the first 500 days of this Administration delivering on that mandate with historic reforms across food, healthcare, public health, addiction, research, rural health, and services for American families.
Secretary Kennedy has led a historic course correction at HHS—challenging entrenched interests, restoring accountability and common sense, and putting the health of the American people back at the center of federal health policy.
The result is a generational shift toward prevention, transparency, individual empowerment, and real, measurable improvements in the health and well-being of Americans and Make America Healthy Again.
In just 500 days, HHS has delivered historic results for the American people:
Launched the Make America Healthy Again Commission
February 13, 2025
Established the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission to coordinate federal efforts focused on improving Americans’ health and addressing chronic disease.
Strengthened Infant Formula Safety and Supply
March 18, 2025
Launched Operation Stork Speed, an initiative focused on the safety, nutritional quality, and availability of infant formula for American families.
Strengthened State and Local Emergency Preparedness
March 18, 2025
The Strategic National Stockpile launched the Jurisdictional Stockpile Program in support of Executive Order 14239, advancing a more efficient approach to state and local preparedness.
Advanced Alternatives to Animal Testing
April 10, 2025
FDA announced a plan to phase out animal-testing requirements for monoclonal antibodies and other drugs by encouraging more effective, human-relevant approaches to evaluating safety.
Moved to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Food Dyes
April 22, 2025
HHS and FDA announced measures to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply and encourage manufacturers to transition to alternatives.
Advanced a Next-Generation Vaccine Platform
May 1, 2025
HHS and NIH announced development of a next-generation universal vaccine platform designed to support broader protection against influenza and other viral threats.
Expanded Research into the Causes of Autism
May 7, 2025
NIH and CMS partnered to use Medicare and Medicaid data to strengthen research into autism and support efforts to better understand its causes and contributing factors.
Advanced Lower Prescription Drug Prices for Americans
May 20, 2025
HHS and CMS advanced a Most-Favored-Nation approach intended to bring U.S. prescription drug prices more closely in line with prices paid in other developed countries.
Reconstituted the Nation’s Vaccine Advisory Committee
June 9, 2025
HHS reconstituted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which develops recommendations concerning the use of vaccines in the United States.
Secured Industry Commitments to Improve Prior Authorization
June 23, 2025
HHS and CMS announced commitments from health insurers to streamline and improve prior authorization, with the goal of reducing administrative burden and delays in patient care.
Expanded Access to Affordable Lifesaving Medicines
June 24, 2025
HRSA took action to lower the cost of lifesaving medicines for eligible low-income patients and improve access to affordable treatment.
Invested $100 Million to Help Eliminate Hepatitis C
July 28, 2025
HHS announced a $100 million pilot initiative to expand hepatitis C prevention, testing, treatment, and elimination efforts.
Strengthened Opioid Pain-Medication Safety Information
July 31, 2025
FDA announced major updates to opioid pain-medication labeling to provide patients and health professionals with clearer information about risks and safe use.
Reduced Hospital Reporting Burdens
August 1, 2025
HHS and CMS ended hospital incentives tied to vaccination reporting, changing federal reporting requirements and reducing associated administrative obligations for participating hospitals.
Expanded Transparency in Organ Allocation
August 27, 2025
HRSA increased public transparency and accountability in the organ allocation system by making additional information available through a public-facing dashboard.
Expanded Real-Time Prescription Drug Price Information
September 2, 2025
HHS advanced requirements designed to give patients and health care professionals better access to real-time prescription drug pricing information when making treatment decisions.
Strengthened Enforcement Against Health-Data Blocking
September 3, 2025
HHS announced new action against information blocking to promote patients’ access to their health information and improve the flow of health data across the health care system.
Released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy
September 9, 2025
The MAHA Commission released a strategy outlining federal actions intended to improve children’s health and address chronic disease and other health challenges.
Equipped Communities to Combat Youth Vaping
September 15, 2025
HHS released a resource guide providing families, schools, communities, and other stakeholders with information and tools to address youth vaping and illegal vape products.
Advanced Individual Decision-Making for COVID-19 Vaccination
September 19, 2025
ACIP recommended an individual decision-making approach to COVID-19 vaccination, emphasizing decisions made based on individual circumstances and considerations.
Delivered $1.5 Billion to Strengthen Opioid Response
September 22, 2025
HHS provided $1.5 billion in State and Tribal Opioid Response grants to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and other efforts addressing opioid use disorder.
Invested $60 Million to Support Independent Living
September 30, 2025
The Administration for Community Living directed $60 million to programs helping older Americans and people with disabilities live independently and participate in their communities.
Updated Menopause Hormone Therapy Warnings
November 10, 2025
HHS and FDA announced the removal of broad warnings from menopause hormone therapy products, updating federal safety communications for patients and health professionals.
Released a Peer-Reviewed Gender Dysphoria Report
November 19, 2025
HHS released a peer-reviewed report examining evidence related to pediatric gender dysphoria and associated medical interventions.
Strengthened Hospital Price Transparency
November 21, 2025
CMS advanced changes intended to improve hospital price transparency and give patients clearer information about health care costs.
Expanded Newborn Screening for Rare Diseases
December 16, 2025
HHS expanded recommended newborn screening to include Duchenne muscular dystrophy and metachromatic leukodystrophy, supporting earlier identification of children with these rare diseases.
Advanced New Protections for Children in Hospitals
December 18, 2025
HHS announced action concerning hospitals that perform sex-rejecting procedures on children, establishing new federal requirements and restrictions.
Delivered $50 Billion to Transform Rural Health
December 29, 2025
CMS announced distribution of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, providing resources to strengthen health care delivery across rural communities in all 50 states.
Reset Federal Nutrition Guidance
January 7, 2026
HHS released new federal dietary guidelines, updating national nutrition recommendations intended to guide federal programs and help Americans make healthier food choices.
Completed U.S. Withdrawal from the WHO
January 22, 2026
The United States completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, concluding the federal process to end U.S. membership in the organization.
Ended Human Fetal Tissue Use in NIH-Supported Research
January 22, 2026
NIH announced a policy change ending the use of human fetal tissue in NIH-supported research.
Invested $100 Million in Great American Recovery
February 2, 2026
HHS announced a $100 million investment in the Great American Recovery initiative to strengthen efforts addressing addiction and support recovery.
Expanded Opportunities for Faith-Based Partners
February 3, 2026
HHS opened additional opportunities for faith-based organizations to participate in federal programs and equipped eligible organizations to compete for support.
Launched a $2.5 Million Caregiver AI Challenge
February 5, 2026
ACL launched a $2.5 million prize competition encouraging innovators to develop artificial intelligence tools that can better support America’s family caregivers.
Launched TrumpRx to Expand Prescription Drug Savings
February 5, 2026
The Administration launched TrumpRx as an initiative focused on helping Americans access lower prescription drug prices and immediate savings.
Expanded Nutrition Training for Future Doctors
March 6, 2026
HHS announced commitments from medical schools to increase nutrition education, giving future physicians additional training on the role of diet and nutrition in health.
Invested $144 Million to Study Microplastics in the Human Body
April 2, 2026
ARPA-H committed $144 million to a research program focused on understanding microplastics in humans and developing new approaches to address their potential health effects.
Opened $135 Million to Prevent Chronic Disease and Strengthen Rural Care
April 7, 2026
HRSA made more than $135 million available to expand nutrition services, prevent chronic disease, and strengthen the rural health workforce and delivery system.
Launched a Plan to Address Psychiatric Overprescribing
May 4, 2026
HHS launched a MAHA action plan focused on psychiatric prescribing practices and efforts to reduce inappropriate or unnecessary prescribing.
Launched Moms.gov to Support Mothers and Families
May 10, 2026
The Administration launched Moms.gov as a federal resource for new and expecting mothers, bringing together information intended to help families navigate pregnancy and early parenthood.
Expanded Child Care Access and Parental Choice
May 11, 2026
ACF announced a child care reform package focused on affordability, expanding families’ access to care, and increasing parental choice.
Strengthened the Office for Civil Rights
May 18, 2026
HHS announced a reorganization of OCR focused on conscience protections, race-based discrimination, and the Department’s approach to sex-based civil rights protections.
Equipped Families to Reduce Harmful Screen Use
May 20, 2026
HHS released an advisory and practical toolkit intended to help parents and families reduce harmful screen use and protect children online.
Strengthened HHS Audit Enforcement and Risk Oversight
May 21, 2026
HHS launched the Audit Enforcement and Risk Oversight (AERO) Program to strengthen oversight, accountability, and management of financial and program risks.
Advanced Health Care Transparency and No Surprises Act Reform
May 28, 2026
HHS announced reforms addressing the No Surprises Act dispute process, including changes intended to reduce administrative costs and strengthen transparency.
Launched a National Plan to Combat Lyme Disease
May 29, 2026
HHS unveiled a national plan to strengthen prevention, research, diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness related to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
Strengthened Coordination for Americans with Disabilities
June 16, 2026
Federal agencies aligned special education, rehabilitation, and community-support programs to improve coordination of services for individuals with disabilities.
Invested $700 Million in Mental Health, Addiction, and Homelessness
June 17, 2026
HHS announced $700 million in funding to strengthen programs addressing serious mental illness, addiction, homelessness, treatment, and recovery.
Launched Operation TrialBlazer to Modernize Clinical Trials
June 22, 2026
HHS launched Operation TrialBlazer, an initiative focused on reforming the clinical trial system and improving how medical evidence is generated.
Successfully Concluded the Hantavirus Response
June 24, 2026
HHS announced the conclusion of its response to the hantavirus incident associated with the Hondius cruise ship following federal public health action.
Reached One Billion Health Records Exchanged
June 26, 2026
HHS announced that health information exchange through TEFCA had surpassed one billion records, marking a major milestone in nationwide health-data interoperability.
Restored the Presidential Fitness Test
June 30, 2026
HHS restored the Presidential Fitness Test as part of an effort to encourage physical activity, fitness, and healthy habits among American children.
Brought All 50 States into A Home for Every Child
July 9, 2026
ACF announced that all 50 states had joined A Home for Every Child, advancing implementation of the Fostering the Future Executive Order and efforts to support children and families involved in foster care.
Partnered with VA to Advance Veteran Mental Health Research
July 13, 2026
HHS and VA announced a partnership to advance research into psychedelic therapies and explore potential new approaches to addressing veterans’ mental health needs.
Protected Survivor Benefits for Foster Youth
July 15, 2026
ACF announced that more than half the states had ended the practice described as the “orphan tax,” allowing more foster youth to retain survivor benefits intended for them.
Protected U.S. Authority on International Health Policy
July 18, 2026
HHS and the State Department announced that the United States would not accept the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations.
Strengthened Medicaid Program Integrity
July 21, 2026
HHS deferred more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota while conducting an integrity review of the payments.
Advanced New Ways to Help Patients Stay Healthy at Home
July 22, 2026
HHS selected 12 teams developing approaches to help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries maintain their health and independence at home.
Updated Title VI Regulations to Advance Equal Protection
July 22, 2026
HHS announced a final rule updating its Title VI regulations and ending disparate-impact liability under the Department’s regulatory framework.
Strengthened Safeguards for High-Risk Life Sciences Research
July 28, 2026
HHS announced a policy addressing dangerous gain-of-function and other high-risk life sciences research, establishing safeguards for federally supported research.
Advanced Federal Action on Concentrated 7-OH Products
July 29, 2026
FDA recommended federal scheduling of concentrated 7-OH products, while OASH issued a request for information to inform consideration of an appropriate 7-OH threshold.
Secured a National Behavioral Health Quality Pledge
July 29, 2026
HHS announced a voluntary pledge bringing participating organizations together around behavioral health quality and best practices.
Advanced a Transition Away from Mercury-Containing Vaccines
July 29, 2026
HHS announced that Gavi had agreed to transition away from mercury-containing vaccines as part of a joint statement addressing vaccine safety and accountability.
Launched the Eat Real Food Show
July 30, 2026
HHS launched Secretary Kennedy’s Eat Real Food Show to communicate nutrition information and encourage greater attention to whole and minimally processed foods.
Invested More Than $70 Million in Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
July 31, 2026
SAMHSA awarded more than $70 million to support mental health treatment and suicide prevention programs in communities across the country.
Reached a Record 32 Million Patients Through Health Centers
August 3, 2026
HHS announced that HRSA-supported health centers served more than 32 million patients, setting a new record for the federal health center program.
Strengthened Patient Safety in the Organ Transplant System
August 5, 2026
HHS took action against a Kentucky organ procurement organization following patient-safety concerns, using federal oversight authority to protect patients and strengthen accountability.
Proposed Head Start Reforms to Expand Access and Empower Parents
August 6, 2026
HHS unveiled proposed Head Start reforms intended to expand access to services, increase flexibility, and give parents greater choice in early childhood programs.
Moved to Close the GRAS Loophole
August 10, 2026
HHS announced reforms to the “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)” framework, advancing changes to federal oversight of ingredients added to the food supply.
Advanced Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
August 10, 2026
The President issued an action recognizing new childhood vaccine recommendations and setting federal policy concerning the development of those recommendations.
Expanded Nutrition Education Across U.S. Medical Schools
Ongoing
Seventy-six medical schools across 36 states have joined Secretary Kennedy’s Nutrition Education Initiative, expanding efforts to incorporate nutrition training into medical education.
Mobilized Treatments Against the Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak
Ongoing
HHS has facilitated clinical trial deployments and international distribution of therapeutics to support the response to the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.