Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s “Make America Healthy Again” isn’t just an idea anymore.
It’s now a law thanks to the efforts of one of the country’s top Republican lawmakers.
Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a “Make America Healthy Again” bill into law this past week that bans a number of food dyes.
He’s also challenging himself (with the help of RFK Jr.) and his state’s constituents to get more exercise daily.
“I’m not pretending to be a fitness guru,” Morrisey said, following the bill signing.
“But, I have asked Secretary Kennedy to be my personal trainer. He hasn’t said yes yet, but I think he’s sizing me up as a major renovation project.”
In the quest to get his state healthy, the governor offered a challenge for West Virginia residents to get out and walk at least one mile per day.
“As governor, I understand that I need to do this, as well, and start shedding the pounds,” he said.
A few minutes ago, I completed my second installment of the Mountaineer Mile. Over 10,000 steps so far today! Let’s make West Virginia Healthy Again!
— Patrick Morrisey (@MorriseyWV) March 29, 2025
Morrisey elaborated on the challenge, and how he’s personally participating.
“Tonight, after our big event with HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., I finished my first installment of the Mountaineer mile — a new challenge for West Virginians to get out and walk at least a mile every day,” he wrote. “I know walking every day won’t be easy for everyone, including myself. But it’s worth the effort and will help all of us live longer and spend more time with our friends and family on things that matter.”
“In my life, I haven’t always made the right decisions in terms of food and exercise, but I am going to do my best now to improve and shed some pounds,” the governor added. “I took this photograph of the sunset on my walk in Shannondale. Have a great night!#MountaineerMile.”
Tonight, after our big event with HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., I finished my first installment of the Mountaineer mile— a new challenge for West Virginians to get out and walk at least a mile every day.
I know walking every day won’t be easy for everyone, including… pic.twitter.com/x849gu9RkJ
— Patrick Morrisey (@MorriseyWV) March 29, 2025
West Virginia is also moving forward to ask the federal government to allow the state to restrict junk food and soda from food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits.
Kennedy made comments about Morrisey’s weight and his health goals in light of the MAHA movement in West Virginia.
“You look like you ate Gov. Morrisey,” RFK recalled telling the governor. “There was a lot of talk about getting healthy again, and I’m very happy that he’s invited me to be his personal trainer. I’m gonna put him on a really rigorous regimen — we’re gonna put him on a carnivore diet.”
“Raise your hand if you want Gov. Morrisey to do a public weigh-in once a month,” Kennedy added. “And then when he’s lost 30 pounds, I’ll come back to this state and do a celebration in a public way, and with him.”
NEW: RFK Jr. tells West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey that he needs to lose 30 pounds to his face, calls on Morrisey to do a "public weigh-in" every month.
The Health Secretary is now fat-shaming people in public. Amazing.
"I said, 'You look like you ate Governor Morrissey.'"… pic.twitter.com/knJwos0paR
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 28, 2025
All joking aside, Kennedy also strongly commended Morrisey.
“West Virginia is leading the nation in passing a bill to clean up our food supply and submitting a waiver to remove soda from SNAP,” he said.
“This state leadership adds leverage to the Trump administration’s drive to Make America Healthy Again.”
“I urge every Governor to follow West Virginia’s lead and submit a waiver to the USDA to remove soda from SNAP,” RFK, Jr. continued.
“If there’s one thing we can agree on, it should be eliminating taxpayer-funded soda subsidies for lower income kids. I look forward to inviting every Governor who submits a waiver to come celebrate with me at the White House this fall. Thank you, Secretary Rollins for your leadership on this vital issue for children’s health.”