During a visit to Boise this week, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised Idaho as a model for medical freedom and grassroots public health reform. Speaking alongside Governor Brad Little at the state capitol, Kennedy declared, “Idaho is the home of medical freedom, the home of good health, and a state deeply committed to making its population healthy again.”
Kennedy applauded Idaho’s principled stance during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the state’s refusal to sacrifice constitutional liberties under pressure. “Idaho did better than any other state in preserving essential American freedoms—and that’s due in large part to Governor Little’s leadership,” he said.
Governor Little, who proclaimed August “Keep Idaho Healthy Month,” joined Kennedy in celebrating recent state legislation aimed at improving public health without government overreach. That includes a new law banning the use of federal food benefits to buy candy and soda, a move Kennedy called “a bold and necessary stand for nutrition and wellness.”
Kennedy also praised Idaho lawmakers for advancing a bill that protects citizens from being denied services due to their health choices—a landmark step toward restoring medical autonomy.
Following their remarks, Kennedy and Governor Little held a roundtable with tribal leaders to discuss mental health challenges on reservations, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to serving underserved communities.
While a few protesters gathered at the Capitol, the event primarily showcased Idaho’s growing national role in shaping health policy that respects both science and personal liberty. For Kennedy, it’s clear: the path to a healthier America starts with freedom, informed choice, and the courage to challenge one-size-fits-all mandates.
