Mike Tyson becomes face of Trump’s food policy push

February 16, 2026 Oliver Obel

The Trump administration this week highlighted a new public health priority: cutting back on ultra-processed foods in the American diet.

At an event in Washington, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson appeared alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., lending his voice — and his personal story to the initiative. Tyson called it “the most important fight of my life,” framing the campaign as a deeply personal cause rather than a political endorsement.

A Personal Mission

Tyson, 59, is the public face of Eat Real Food, a nationwide advertising effort that launched its first commercial during the Super Bowl. The black-and-white spot features the boxing legend delivering a direct appeal to viewers: replace packaged snacks, sugary beverages and heavily processed meals with vegetables, meat and dairy products.

In the video, Tyson speaks about the loss of his sister Denise, who died at 25 after suffering a heart attack linked to obesity. He also references his own past struggles with diet and weight, underscoring the emotional weight behind his participation.

Recalling his childhood in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Tyson said fresh options were often limited, while inexpensive, calorie-dense products were widely available. He described a neighborhood shaped by poverty, where highly processed foods became the default choice for many families.

Public Health Context

Federal agencies have repeatedly warned about the health impact of diets high in ultra-processed foods. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of American adults are obese. Researchers associate heavy consumption of products high in added sugars, sodium, saturated fats and industrial additives with increased risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Health professionals at the Washington event welcomed the administration’s attention to the issue, noting that ultra-processed foods make up a significant share of the typical American diet.

Debate Over Dietary Emphasis

However, some nutrition experts have raised concerns about the campaign’s messaging. They argue that its strong emphasis on animal protein and full-fat dairy products may oversimplify dietary science and risk downplaying the role of plant-based foods in long-term health outcomes.

Administration officials did not outline specific regulatory measures during the event, focusing instead on public awareness and consumer choice. Whether the campaign will lead to measurable shifts in eating habits remains uncertain.

For Tyson, the framing is clear: after years of preparing for fights in the ring, he now portrays diet-related disease as an opponent facing millions of Americans.

Sources: Washington event, CDC data.