News on peptides: The Trump administration is crafting plans that would allow the temporary sale of certain previously restricted peptides.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialRachel Roubein
@rachelroubein.bsky.social
Washington Post reporter focused on policy and politics. Reach me securely on Signal: RachelRoubein.28
@rachelroubein.bsky.social@rachelroubein.bsky.socialBut for months, the potential push has been slow-walked at the White House, according to two people familiar with the matter. HHS said the notion that Kennedy’s MAHA food agenda has been “stalled or slow walked is false.”
@rachelroubein.bsky.social“We want to see any information that proves these ingredients at the quantities they are being added to the food supply should still be generally considered safe," according to a March draft of a letter that the secretary sent to the White House for review.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialNew: The Post obtained RFK Jr.'s draft response to Kessler's petition in which he concluded food companies should provide "any detailed safety studies" about certain core ingredients in ultra-processed foods.
@caitlingilbert.bsky.socialReposted by @rachelroubein.bsky.socialexclusive from @lenasun.bsky.social and @rachelroubein.bsky.social: states will be able to order Covid vax for kids as soon as next week, through the CDC program that serves half of American children
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialMore here ⬇️
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialWhite House, as well as HHS lawyers, signed off on the plan to let RFK Jr. use military aircraft
With @ddiamond.bsky.social and @abtran.bsky.social
@ddiamond.bsky.socialReposted by @rachelroubein.bsky.socialExclusive: The White House has given RFK Jr access to military aircraft as the health secretary has criss-crossed the country. RFK Jr used private flight to join GOP candidates in Iowa last month. w @rachelroubein.bsky.social @abtran.bsky.social
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialNew: Federal officials are poised to declare end of nation’s largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak after thousands of people became sick after eating shredded iceberg lettuce. Timing could come as soon as later today but not guaranteed.
@lenasun.bsky.socialReposted by @rachelroubein.bsky.socialNEW: The CDC is excluding two deaths reported by Pennsylvania from the agency’s weekly update on measles dashboard, a decision that came from new CDC director Erica Schwartz, per sources. Me and @Rachelroubein.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
washingtonpost.comNew CDC director delays adding Pennsylvania deaths to measles dataThe deaths have been at the heart of a bitter political dispute between RFK Jr. and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D).
@caitlingilbert.bsky.socialReposted by @rachelroubein.bsky.socialNEW: Shapiro + RFK Jr. are feuding over measles—Kennedy and his allies are attacking Dems after a coroner said measles didn’t play a role in the death of a newborn, while MMR rates in Lancaster have plunged from 94% to 87% since 2019.
wapo.st/4xpgDsi
@lenasun.bsky.social @rachelroubein.bsky.social
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialicymi: FDA officials raised conflict of interest concerns ahead of new peptide panel slated to meet this week.
Despite the flags, HHS chose multiple panelists who promote peptides, an unusual process given FDA staff typically pick their advisers.
wapo.stFDA raised conflict of interest concerns ahead of new peptide panelThat panel will meet to weigh whether the agency should allow Americans to have broader access to seven injectable peptides previously restricted over potential safety concerns.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialRFK Jr., a self-professed "big fan" of peptides, wants to expand access to the popular products. FDA career scientists said there isn't enough evidence to do so.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialBefore winning the GOP primary for Iowa governor, Zach Lahn attacked Big Ag, a stance once unthinkable for Republicans in the Corn Belt.
— He beat a Trump-endorsed candidate.
— Lahn had discussed his run with RFK Jr., who was supportive.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialRFK Jr. wanted a health overhaul led by outsiders. Now some are gone, raising concerns from some MAHA allies about his influence.
— Some officials argue leaders, like Wiles, are committed to MAHA & changes are to reduce "unnecessary noise"
washingtonpost.comRFK Jr. promised a health overhaul led by outsiders. Now many are gone.Trump officials have increasingly swapped out RFK Jr.’s handpicked deputies for people with more traditional experience, seeking to tamp down on health agencies’ controversies ahead of the midterms.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialRFK Jr. begins a seven hearing blitz on Capitol Hill this morning.
Here’s what we’re watching with updates throughout the day. With @laurenweberhp.bsky.social
washingtonpost.comFour things to watch as RFK Jr. defends his health agenda on the HillVaccines and turmoil at the agencies under his leadership are expected to be hot topics.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialFDA weighs lifting peptide restrictions amid wellness craze and push from RFK Jr.
The agency had previously restricted some peptides due to safety concerns. With @laurenweberhp.bsky.social
washingtonpost.comAmid wellness craze, FDA weighs lifting peptide restrictionsHealth Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a self-professed “big fan” of peptides. They have grown in popularity for wellness and antiaging, but many remain untested.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialAhead of the midterms, RFK Jr. is messaging on food & drug pricing, and downplaying vaccines, as some Republicans warn vaccines could be a liability.
This comes as influential MAHA leaders want to spend big for GOP. Tony Lyons wants to raise $100M.
washingtonpost.comWhy RFK Jr. is suddenly talking less about vaccinesHealth chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on tour to tout his MAHA food initiatives and drug pricing over vaccines, an issue GOP pollsters see as a liability.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialTrump's order to promote a widely used weedkiller sparked swift & fierce backlash from some MAHA supporters
washingtonpost.comTrump order to promote weedkiller sparks fury in MAHA movementAllies of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are frustrated that the Trump administration has embraced chemicals that they say harm human health.
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialWe are absolutely heartbroken by the loss of two-thirds of our Washington Post health team. Editors, please hire these wonderful journalists.