By: Cortez Ferrell, Contributing Opinion Writer
Between 2006 and 2019, a staggering 9 out of 10 FDA commissioners left their posts only to join the very industry they once regulated: pharmaceutical companies. Meanwhile, around 65% of the FDA’s drug review budget comes directly from the pharmaceutical industry. These facts are not just numbers—they reveal a troubling truth about the influence of “Big Pharma” over our health agencies and, by extension, the health of the American people.
Americans face some of the worst health outcomes among developed nations. We suffer from high rates of chronic illness, obesity, and preventable disease. Yet, the agencies tasked with overseeing our well-being appear to be more aligned with industry profits than public health. This revolving door between the FDA and pharmaceutical companies raises serious questions about conflict of interest and the independence of our regulatory bodies.
These issues aren’t partisan. They affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation. This is where the message of RFK Jr. and the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement comes in. Their platform, built on reforming our healthcare and regulatory systems, holds the potential to benefit Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and all Americans alike. RFK Jr. is unafraid to call out the conflicts of interest that permeate our health institutions and to push for a healthcare model centered around the well-being of people rather than the profits of corporations.
For decades, the FDA has allowed pharmaceutical companies to wield influence over drug approvals and policies. It’s no wonder Americans pay the highest prices for prescription drugs and struggle with health issues that many other countries address more effectively. This isn’t simply a matter of economics or policy—it’s a matter of survival, independence, and trust in our institutions.
The MAHA movement advocates for transparency and accountability in our health agencies. By reducing pharmaceutical influence in the FDA and empowering unbiased research and health policy, we could see a shift toward prioritizing prevention and well-being over profit. This change would benefit everyone, making healthcare more affordable, transparent, and effective.
We are at a crossroads where we can choose health independence. We can support leaders who push for reform and challenge the status quo, like RFK Jr., whose vision aligns with the values of people across the political spectrum. Americans deserve health agencies that work for us, not for industry interests. If we care about the health of our families, communities, and future generations, we must demand accountability, transparency, and real reform. The time for change is now.
