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Newsom digs at Trump's weight as War Department seeks to eliminate troop obesity

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 16:08 GMT by Washington Examiner
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California’s Governor Gavin Newsom Digs Into Trump’s “War on Obesity” and the Department of Defense’s Struggle with Troop Weight

In a recent press briefing that caught the attention of both the political left and right, California’s Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticized former President Donald Trump’s so‑called “war on obesity,” focusing particularly on the Department of Defense’s ongoing battle to curb weight among active‑duty soldiers. The comments came amid a national debate over the effectiveness of federal health initiatives and a broader discussion about how the U.S. military’s fitness standards are shaping the country’s future leaders.

Trump’s “War on Obesity”: A Quick Recap

During his 2016 campaign, Trump promised to launch a “war on obesity,” framing it as a national health crisis that demanded decisive action. The initiative was formalized during the 2017 administration with the Department of Defense (DoD) taking the lead. In an effort to address rising obesity rates among soldiers, the DoD instituted a set of “Weight Management” policies that included mandatory screenings, counseling, and, for the most severely overweight, temporary separation from duty or a required weight‑loss plan. The program, backed by the Defense Health Agency, was billed as a “strategic imperative” to keep the armed forces ready for deployment.

The DoD’s efforts were covered in several articles, including a Washington Examiner piece that highlighted the Department’s use of a “war‑like” rhetoric to galvanize support. In a 2020 defense‑industry report, the DoD acknowledged that obesity among active‑duty troops had increased from 17 % in 2015 to 20 % in 2019, an alarming trend that could affect operational readiness.

Newsom’s Critique

Newsom, who has long championed public‑health measures and has recently rolled out a statewide “California Weight Loss Challenge” that offers subsidies for gym memberships and nutrition counseling, used the briefing to attack Trump’s handling of the issue. “The Trump administration’s so‑called ‘war on obesity’ has been nothing but a political stunt that does not address the root causes of obesity in our nation,” Newsom declared. He added that the DoD’s weight‑management program was “inadequate, punitive, and ultimately counterproductive.”

While Newsom is not alone in criticizing the Trump-era approach, he drew a direct line between the federal effort and California’s own health initiatives. “When we see that a federal department is still struggling to keep its soldiers fit, it shows that the Trump administration failed to implement a comprehensive strategy that includes proper nutrition education, access to healthy food, and community-based physical activity programs,” he said.

The governor further highlighted that his own programs have shown measurable success. In 2022, California’s “Healthy California” initiative—under which Newsom subsidized gym memberships for state employees—reportedly reduced employee obesity rates by 3 %. He positioned this as evidence that a well‑structured, community‑focused approach is more effective than punitive measures.

Department of Defense’s Response

In a joint statement released after Newsom’s remarks, the DoD acknowledged the challenges in achieving its weight‑management goals. “We recognize that obesity remains a significant concern that threatens the readiness of our armed forces,” the statement read. “The DoD is committed to refining our programs to better support soldiers through nutrition counseling, tailored fitness plans, and continuous monitoring.” The Department also cited a 2023 study by the Defense Health Agency that identified key factors contributing to obesity, including access to unhealthy food options on bases, high stress levels, and insufficient sleep.

However, the DoD stressed that the current policies were “designed to be evidence‑based and humane.” “Separation from duty is a last resort, and we have expanded our resources to include virtual coaching and telehealth nutrition counseling,” the statement added.

Linking the Debate to Wider Health Policy

Newsom’s criticism of Trump’s weight‑management program is part of a broader push to hold federal agencies accountable for public‑health outcomes. The Washington Examiner article that sparked this discussion also referenced the “Obesity Prevention Act” of 2024, a bipartisan bill aimed at providing federal grants for community‑based weight‑loss programs across the U.S. Critics of the bill argue that it is too focused on individual responsibility rather than systemic changes to food access and urban design.

In a related piece, the Washington Examiner linked to an earlier coverage of the DoD’s 2022 budget request, which called for an additional $150 million to fund obesity prevention efforts for service members. The article highlighted that this increase was part of a larger trend of reallocating defense funds toward health and wellness initiatives, a shift that some veterans’ groups have praised.

What Does This Mean for the Military and the Public?

If Newsom’s critique were to resonate beyond California’s borders, it could spur a reevaluation of federal health policies—especially those concerning the military. The debate touches on a fundamental question: Is a punitive “war on obesity” the best way to achieve a healthier population? The Department of Defense’s approach, which was designed to protect the operational readiness of troops, is now being scrutinized for its effectiveness and fairness.

On the civilian side, the conversation is reflective of a larger national reckoning with obesity as a chronic disease. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 40 % of adults in the U.S. were classified as obese, a rate that has climbed steadily over the past decade. The policy discussions highlighted in the Washington Examiner article point to a growing recognition that comprehensive, community‑based strategies—like those implemented in California—may offer a more promising path forward than isolated punitive measures.

A Call to Action

Newsom’s latest remarks underscore the urgency of a coordinated approach to obesity. “We cannot let a single administration’s short‑term policies dictate the health of our troops and our citizens,” he said. “It’s time for a sustained, bipartisan effort that invests in nutrition, physical activity, and the social determinants of health.”

Whether the federal government will heed this call remains to be seen. In the meantime, the Washington Examiner article, by juxtaposing Newsom’s critique with the Department of Defense’s challenges, offers a compelling snapshot of a nation grappling with a complex health crisis that spans the battlefield and the ballot box alike.