Several Top Trump Officials Adopt Fermented Food Diet, Trump Sticks to Fast Food

Several high-ranking members of President Donald Trump's administration have started following a diet centered on fermented foods such as sauerkraut and meats from grass-fed livestock, a trend that has become a prominent topic within the White House.

The Wall Street Journal revealed that this diet was developed by Dr. Sean O'Mara, whose health improvement programs at his clinic begin at $8,000 and can reach $18,000 for direct consultations.

These programs utilize full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to identify visceral fat surrounding organs, aiming to enhance digestion and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

O'Mara sometimes accompanies clients to grocery stores to teach them how to select fermented foods from the back shelves of refrigerators, where exposure to light—which can degrade nutrients and live microbes—is minimized.

Officials Embracing the Fermented Food Regimen

The trend began with Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., aged 72, who met O'Mara about a year ago and adopted the diet. Kennedy announced at an event in Michigan this week that he lost 20 pounds (approximately 9 kilograms) in 30 days. He noted that the diet helped relieve chronic pain and stopped his episodes of atrial fibrillation, although he sometimes struggles with the sour taste of sauerkraut.

Following Kennedy, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, aged 64, joined the diet. Lutnick had avoided red meat for years due to cancer concerns but later gave up diet cola in favor of plain iced coffee.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, aged 54, also adopted the diet. Vice President J.D. Vance, aged 41, adhered to the diet during a fasting season earlier this year and has continued with it. Vance typically eats eggs, sauerkraut, pickles, and berries for lunch, and his dinner consists of beef or lamb accompanied by sauerkraut.

Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy also joined the diet after Transportation Secretary Duffy recommended it following their meeting last year. McCarthy reported losing 4 inches from his waist circumference and has been promoting the diet among his congressional colleagues.

Reactions and Dietary Habits

Kennedy carries a supply of sauerkraut with its distinctive sulfurous smell and asks his wife daily to place a bag of it in her stylish handbag when they go out together.

Lutnick has progressed to making his own pickles at home instead of relying solely on store-bought options.

In contrast, President Donald Trump appears detached from this dietary shift. Attendees at the basketball finals this month observed him consuming pizza, French fries, and diet Coca-Cola.

His table remains characterized by well-done American steak with ketchup, McDonald's sandwiches, and fast food meals.