NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 6, 2026 - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. brought his nationwide Take Back Your Health tour to Nashville this week, where he highlighted the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Great American Recovery Initiative, recognized Tennessee's leadership in advancing the Make America Healthy Again agenda, and underscored the vital role America's cattle ranchers play in restoring the nation's health.

On Wednesday, Governor Bill Lee welcomed Secretary Kennedy to the State Capitol to celebrate a series of MAHA bills and executive actions. These actions include banning Red 40 from school meals, strengthening fluoride transparency in public water systems, limiting student cell phone use in schools, and a SNAP waiver that restricts the purchase of sugary drinks and candy.

"Thank you, Governor Lee, for putting children first, standing up to special interests, and leading Tennessee toward a healthier future," said Secretary Kennedy. "By promoting real food, cutting student screen time during the school day, and prioritizing rural health care, Tennessee is setting a national standard. These bold reforms protect families, strengthen communities, and bring us closer to our shared mission to Make America Healthy Again."

Other elected officials speaking at the event included Lieutenant Governor Rand McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, and House Majority Leader William Lamberth.

"Under President Trump and Secretary Kennedy's leadership, Tennessee is leading the way to create innovative, responsible solutions that strengthen families and improve health outcomes," Governor Lee said. "I'm grateful for this administration's commitment to asking hard questions and challenging the status quo so that every Tennessean can live a healthier life."

On Thursday, National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President Buck Wehrbein welcomed Secretary Kennedy to CattleCon - the nation's largest cattle trade show, bringing together more than 9,400 attendees, including business leaders, subject matter experts, and industry advocates.

Wehrbein hosted Secretary Kennedy for a fireside chat that emphasized the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the importance of meat protein, and the essential role America's cattlemen play in nourishing the nation.

"It was an honor to be joined by Secretary Kennedy," NCBA President and Nebraska cattle producer Wehrbein said. "America's cattlemen and women appreciate him making certain that beef remains at the center of the plate for the nation's consumers."

"I thank Buck Wehrbein and America's cattle ranchers for producing real, nutrient-dense food, stewarding our land, and sustaining rural communities," said Secretary Kennedy. "Ranchers are essential partners in advancing the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and restoring a food pyramid grounded in real nutrition. The war on protein is over - and beef is back on the menu."