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Jun 18, 20261
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Sauerkraut Diet Becomes Unlikely Trend Among Trump Cabinet Members
Multiple Trump Cabinet members, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have adopted a fermented-food-focused diet developed by Dr. Sean O'Mara, including Vice President JD Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, with reported weight-loss results and the trend spreading to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Quick Facts
Who
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
What
Cabinet members adopted fermented-food diet
When
30 days (Kennedy's reported duration)
Where
White House
- Cabinet members adopted fermented-food diet
- Diet focuses on sauerkraut, kimchi, grass-fed steak
- Diet eliminates alcohol and sugary foods
- Kennedy reported 20-pound weight loss in 30 days
- McCarthy reported 4-inch waist reduction
Several high-ranking members of Donald Trump's Cabinet have adopted a fermented-food-heavy diet centered on sauerkraut as part of weight-loss efforts, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Vice President JD Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy are among those following the regimen developed by Dr. Sean O'Mara. The diet emphasizes fermented foods including sauerkraut and kimchi, grass-fed steak, and the elimination of alcohol and sugary foods.
Kennedy, who leads the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, was the first to adopt the diet and subsequently encouraged other Cabinet officials to follow suit. At a Michigan event, the 72-year-old Kennedy stated he lost 20 pounds after 30 days on the diet and noted visible changes in Vice President Vance's appearance. Kennedy has become such a proponent of the regimen that he reportedly carries sauerkraut supplies while traveling. His wife, actor Cheryl Hines, recounted on a podcast how Kennedy regularly asks her to transport sauerkraut in her bags, even when dressed formally.
The diet's growing popularity within the administration has sparked unusual workplace dynamics. According to the Journal, Cabinet members discuss the regimen and exchange dietary tips during White House meetings. However, the pungent odor associated with fermented foods has reportedly caused "domestic friction" among those in close proximity to the diet's followers.
The trend has extended beyond the immediate Cabinet. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy adopted the diet after noticing improvements in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's appearance and was subsequently referred to Dr. O'Mara. McCarthy reported losing approximately four inches from his waist since beginning the regimen. O'Mara, who did not confirm specific patients, explained his preference for working with older individuals, stating the return on investment is greater, comparing the work to "taking over a sinking ship."
Why This Matters
This trend reveals how influential health figures within the Trump administration are shaping workplace culture and wellness practices at the highest levels of government. It demonstrates the ripple effect of executive health initiatives—what begins as an individual diet choice becomes a cabinet-wide phenomenon with measurable influence on decision-making spaces. For those concerned with government operations, understanding the informal networks and wellness trends among senior officials provides insight into the administration's broader approach to health policy and organizational dynamics.