Calley Means, a senior adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced his resignation from President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The departure, first reported by The Wall Street Journal and later confirmed by Means on social media, marks another exit from the administration amid reported internal disagreements concerning the speed of health and nutrition reform efforts. Means, a prominent advocate within the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, had served in the administration since early 2025.
"I am resigning from the White House with tremendous respect for President Trump and Bobby Kennedy. They laid out a vision of combatting the entrenched, dark forces in DC that profit from Americans getting sick." Calley Means, Senior Adviser to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In a public statement posted on X, Means expressed his continued respect for President Trump and Bobby Kennedy. "I am resigning from the White House with tremendous respect for President Trump and Bobby Kennedy," Means wrote. He praised the administration's stated vision, adding, "They laid out a vision of combatting the entrenched, dark forces in DC that profit from Americans getting sick." Means maintained that substantial progress on health policy had occurred during President Trump's second term, affirming his commitment to the movement's objectives even outside government.
His statement highlighted several initiatives he supported, including proposed changes to federal dietary guidelines, restrictions on soda purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and efforts to eliminate artificial food dyes. Means also referenced planned reforms involving psychedelic treatments, enhanced food safety regulations, and government food purchasing practices. He concluded this part of his statement by noting, "It was an honor to advocate for MAHA moms in the administration."
Despite the positive tone of Means’ public announcement, his resignation follows reported frustrations regarding the administration's progress on several key nutrition policies. Individuals familiar with the situation told The Wall Street Journal that Means had grown increasingly dissatisfied with delays in implementing specific reforms. A significant point of contention reportedly involved efforts to establish a federal definition for ultra-processed foods. Discussions on this initiative began in August, but a finalized definition had not been achieved by the time of Means’ departure.
Furthermore, Means was reportedly frustrated by delays related to proposed changes in school nutrition standards. These proposals aimed to reduce added sugar in school meals while simultaneously increasing protein content, initiatives that are central to the MAHA movement's focus on improving Americans' diets and addressing chronic health conditions. However, these policy advancements reportedly encountered resistance from powerful food industry interests and other stakeholders. One individual close to Means described him as "disillusioned" by the slow pace and obstacles. Additional tensions reportedly involved a Trump administration executive order concerning glyphosate production and certain actions undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency, though Means did not directly address these specific disagreements in his public statement.
Means’ tenure in the administration began following his work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the 2024 presidential election. He served as an adviser to Kennedy's independent presidential campaign and played a role in facilitating communication between Kennedy and President Trump after an assassination attempt against President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. These discussions were instrumental in Kennedy's eventual endorsement of President Trump.
After the election, Means joined the administration in March 2025 as a special government employee, initially working within the White House. He transitioned to a full-time senior adviser position at the Department of Health and Human Services in November 2025, a move that followed his divestment from Truemed, a wellness company he had co-founded. At HHS, Means focused primarily on federal food and nutrition policy, working to advance initiatives aligned with Secretary Kennedy’s broader health agenda.
Before his government service, Means gained national recognition as a wellness advocate and co-author of the 2024 book "Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health," written with his sister, physician Casey Means. Casey Means' nomination to become U.S. Surgeon General was withdrawn by President Trump earlier this year, highlighting the family's deep involvement in health policy within the MAHA movement.
Calley Means' resignation now raises questions about the administration's capacity to push forward some of the MAHA movement's remaining priorities, particularly those facing external resistance. While he did not announce his next professional role, Means indicated his continued commitment to health reform outside government. He emphasized that his departure did not signify a public break with either President Trump or Secretary Kennedy. As of now, the administration has not named a replacement for Means or provided details on how his unfinished policy initiatives will be managed.
