GATLINBURG, June 9 — A gathering of meat lovers in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, last month brought together enthusiasts of the carnivore lifestyle, with attendees bonding over brisket, bacon, butter, and big juicy steaks at Meatstock 2026.
The event was notable not only for its kitsch apparel and various raw milks, but also for the presence of major political power players, including Calley Means, a senior advisor for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and Vani Hari, also known as the “Food Babe”, who has frequently visited with White House officials to advocate for ridding the food supply of artificial dyes and pesticides.
The MAHA movement claims to be more natural and healthy, yet also hearts meat-eating, when the planetary cost of going up the food chain is high and should be discouraged, plus studies have consistently shown that vegetarian and plant-dominated diets are healthier than meaty ones. According to Brian Bienkowski, the managing editor of The New Lede, the MAHA movement is broad and varied, with several advocacy causes — ranging from reducing ultra-processed foods and pesticide use to vaccine skepticism — but one is fairly consistent: Americans need to eat “real food” and that includes meat.
This mantra is not just a social media trend, it is now woven into federal nutrition and health policymaking.
RFK, Jr. has copyrighted the MAHA label and collects licensing fees for its use. The presence of major political power players at Meatstock 2026 suggests that the MAHA movement is gaining traction and influence, and it will be worth watching to see how this movement continues to shape the conversation around food and health in the coming months.
Consult your doctor for medical advice.
