In early June 2026, ProPublica published an investigative story featuring Mark McAfee, who operates America’s largest raw-milk dairy, Raw Farm. The report emerged after months of examining how federal health agencies were influenced by policies during the Trump administration, leading to a politicization of routine science.

ProPublica’s investigation revealed that raw milk, which most scientists and health experts agree offers no significant nutritional benefits over pasteurized milk, exposes consumers to over 100 times the risk of foodborne illness. Despite increased awareness and improved practices, McAfee’s customers continued to suffer illnesses in 2007, 2011, 2012, and 2016. The farm issued more than six recalls after pathogens were detected in its products.

In 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that Raw Farm had a “standard practice” of producing cheese from milk suspected or known to contain pathogens, according to court documents. When the farm issued a recall, it took 18 days and was done “under protest,” with McAfee stating that tests found no pathogens and that the farm was not at fault.

Meanwhile, in his new role, Kennedy publicly advocated for raw milk and celebrated a federal report titled "Make America Healthy Again" with a toast of raw-milk shooters at the White House.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on specific decisions but affirmed in an email that the administration remains concerned about public health risks and will continue enforcement actions as appropriate to protect American consumers.

The investigation also highlighted a climate of fear among civil servants, who described how science became politicized during this period.

Sources