Vice President JD Vance defended President Donald Trump’s ‘bulldozer’ approach to public health, claiming that it is necessary to challenge orthodoxy and revitalize the sector. During the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) summit, Vance praised Trump’s method as a force that ‘just had to happen,’ emphasizing the importance of open debate in public health. He also highlighted the neglect of Appalachia, arguing that its residents have been left behind due to years of failed leadership and insufficient attention from the public health system.
Vance described himself as ‘the golden boy’ of Appalachia, admitting feelings of guilt about the many people who grew up in families like his and have not had an easy life or the same amount of economic opportunity. ‘That gives me a sense of purpose because I want those people to have the same opportunities that I’ve had,’ he said. However, he also expressed anger over the current state of affairs, attributing it to decades of failed leadership. Vance further emphasized the strength of the people in Appalachia, noting that they would take the shirt off their back to help a complete stranger — a trait he believes is integral to America’s greatest military sacrifices in World War I, World War II, and Vietnam.
Vance called for a broader conversation about the region, asserting that its residents deserve not to be left behind and should be able to live better, healthier lives. His remarks come as the VP’s office responds to criticism from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who accused Vance of betraying Appalachian roots. Vance’s comments are part of a broader political strategy to align with Trump’s policies and rally support for his administration’s healthcare initiatives, which focus on improving nutrition, eliminating toxins, and fighting the chronic disease epidemic in the U.S.