Trump inauguration shows rise of MAHA in health care policy

WASHINGTON — When Donald Trump takes the oath of office today, it may well usher in a new era of Republican messaging, and policy, on health care.

To get there, Trump followed a circuitous path that led him to a recent Democrat and rival-turned-ally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Through his presidential campaigns and first administration, Trump could not quite land on the right message to harness the populist momentum that drove his commanding influence over the Republican party.

RFK Jr.’s promise to “Make America Health Again” provided the answer. His rhetoric is more focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle, questioning public health officials, and interrogating the role of big business than on how insurance benefits are designed or how medicines are priced.