A fermented food craze has swept through the Trump administration this summer, with multiple cabinet members reportedly embracing a sauerkraut-heavy diet. Vice President JD Vance, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are among those loading up on the tangy cabbage dish, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The movement traces back to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who claims the regimen helped him drop 20 pounds and shed 40% of his visceral fat. His version of the plan, as he told USA Today, consists exclusively of "meat or fermented foods."
The dietary shift is being driven by Dr. Sean O'Mara, a physician who counsels elite clients in business and politics. His strategy encourages increased consumption of fermented foods and meat while eliminating sugary treats and alcohol.
Proponents argue that fermented foods like sauerkraut can improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and increase feelings of fullness. However, nutrition experts caution that extremely restrictive diets may lead to nutrient deficiencies and are difficult to sustain long-term.
Critics also note that Kennedy's claimed results are anecdotal and not based on peer-reviewed research. The long-term health effects of a diet limited to meat and fermented foods remain unstudied in clinical settings.