Trump Officials Embrace Fermented-Food Diet Promoted by U.S. Doctor

A fermented-food diet built around sauerkraut, kimchi, grass-fed beef and other foods has become a fad among senior figures in Donald Trump’s administration. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said this week in Michigan that he lost 20 pounds, about 9 kilograms, in 30 days on the plan, adding that Vice President J.D. Vance is also following it and “you can see how different he looks.”

The regimen was developed by Dr. Shawn O'Mara, who tells patients to eat large amounts of fermented foods, avoid alcohol and sugary foods, and focus on grass-fed beef. He says the approach reduces visceral fat and improves digestive function. O'Mara also argues that older patients benefit the most, saying, “I like working with older people because the return is much greater,” and comparing the process to taking over a sinking ship or a company headed for bankruptcy.

Kennedy, 72, says he was the first senior official to try it about a year ago. He said that although he does not always like the sharp taste of sauerkraut, the diet helped him lose fat, reduce pain and deal with past heart rhythm problems. Others who have adopted the plan include Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Vance.

According to the report, Vance routinely eats eggs, sauerkraut, pickles and berries, and in the evening has beef or lamb with fermented vegetables. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also became a follower after being referred to O'Mara, saying the doctor told him he was the worst case he had ever seen, but also that he had “great potential.” McCarthy said his waist has shrunk by about four inches. Kennedy’s wife, actress Cheryl Hines, said on a podcast that she is less enthusiastic about the trend, joking that he hands her a bag of sauerkraut while they are dressed for an event and asks her to put it in her purse. Despite the smell and the high cost of O'Mara’s coaching programs, the sauerkraut and fermented-food diet has become one of the most visible trends among top officials in Washington.