Elon Musk, a prominent advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, recently revealed his personal use of Mounjaro, a weight-loss drug, sparking discussion given fellow advisor Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s critical stance on such medications. Musk's Christmas Day post on X, featuring himself in a Santa costume without his usual "big belly," humorously referenced the movie "Cocaine Bear" and mentioned his use of Mounjaro, a brand-name version of semaglutide. This public endorsement contrasts sharply with Kennedy's concerns about the drug's widespread promotion and potential overuse. Kennedy, Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has previously voiced skepticism about semaglutide, advocating for lifestyle changes over pharmaceutical solutions for weight loss. He has even suggested that the U.S. could overcome its obesity challenges through improved diet alone.
This difference of opinion sets the stage for a potential clash within the incoming administration, particularly as Musk is slated to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency, focusing on reducing government spending and bureaucracy. Kennedy's proposed "Make America Healthy Again" initiative further highlights the contrasting approaches to public health. While Musk believes expanding access to weight-loss drugs like Ozempic would significantly benefit public health, Kennedy remains wary of their widespread use.
Adding another layer to this potential conflict is Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump's choice to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Oz has publicly supported the use of medications like Ozempic for their potential health benefits, including weight loss and cardiovascular improvement. This creates a scenario where Kennedy, if confirmed, could oversee Oz, despite their differing views on this increasingly popular class of drugs. The Biden administration's recent proposal to broaden Medicare and Medicaid coverage for semaglutides further underscores the ongoing national debate surrounding these medications.
While Kennedy initially expressed strong opposition to semaglutide, he appears to have softened his stance during recent interviews, acknowledging a potential role for these drugs within the medical community while still emphasizing lifestyle changes as the primary approach. This shift may reflect the complexities of the issue and the varying perspectives within the incoming Trump administration. Despite these public pronouncements, representatives for Musk, Kennedy, and the Trump transition team have not offered official comments on the matter.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk speaks with Donald Trump during a campaign event.
President-elect Trump shared a McDonald's meal with Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., House Speaker Mike Johnson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives remarks at an event.
