Means Says Officials Blocked MAHA Health Policies

Former health adviser Calley Means accused Trump administration officials of catering to industry interests, as Susie Wiles resigned as White House Chief of Staff.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Nutrition

Means Says Officials Blocked MAHA Health Policies

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Calley Means, a former Trump administration health policy adviser, said former officials blocked Make America Healthy Again policies in interviews with Joe Rogan and CBS News' "Face the Nation." Susie Wiles has also resigned as White House Chief of Staff.

Why it matters

Means alleges that former lobbyists inside the White House prioritized vaping, ultra-processed food, pharmaceutical and pesticide industry interests over public health. The stated reason for the industry catering was the need for money for the midterm elections.

The federal definition of ultra-processed food has not been finalized, and a proposal to approve fruit-flavored vapes has stalled. Means's allegations about officials' motives have not been independently verified.

The players

Calley Means

Calley Means is a former Trump administration health policy adviser who has become a vocal critic of the administration's handling of Make America Healthy Again policies.

Susie Wiles

Susie Wiles served as White House Chief of Staff and resigned from the position around the time of Means's remarks.

The details

Means made the remarks in interviews with Joe Rogan and CBS News' "Face the Nation." He alleged that officials allegedly prioritized industry interests over public health, though the specific officials involved were not named in the source material.

November 9, 2026: Article published on Means's criticism of administration officials.

Health Landscape

The allegations center on the Make America Healthy Again agenda, which aimed to address ultra-processed food and chemical exposures through federal policy. Means's claims suggest that the administration's implementation of those goals faced resistance from industry-aligned officials.

If the federal definition of ultra-processed food is finalized, it could influence how packaged foods are labeled and evaluated. Readers may want to watch for changes to food labels in the coming months.

The takeaway

Policy direction on food additives and processed foods depends on whether federal agencies follow through on pending definitions and reviews. Following official announcements can help readers understand what changes may reach grocery shelves.