President Donald J. Trump marked Child Health Day on October 6 with a message outlining his administration’s efforts to address chronic illnesses and reduce medication dependency among American children.
In a statement from the White House, Trump highlighted an “unexplained and alarming rise in chronic illnesses” among youth, including autism, autoimmune disorders, obesity, diabetes, allergies, and mental health challenges.
The president said his administration’s Make America Healthy Again Commission is investigating potential causes and developing solutions. Its priorities include reducing chemical exposure and the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in children’s diets. Schools are reintroducing physical education programs and reviving the Presidential Fitness Test.
Trump also noted that the administration is reviewing the widespread prescription of SSRIs, antipsychotics, and weight-loss drugs to minors. “For too long, the status quo has promoted medication as the first answer to every challenge, leaving young Americans dependent and often worse off,” he said.
Earlier this year, Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, championed by First Lady Melania Trump, which strengthens protections for children against digital exploitation, deepfake abuse, and online privacy violations.
The president concluded by framing child health as critical to the nation’s future prosperity, emphasizing “exercise, nutrition, and community that builds strong minds and bodies.”
