The Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative has unexpectedly formed an alliance with Elizabeth Holmes, the convicted founder of Theranos who is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for defrauding investors. This surprising association was reported by Politico, highlighting how some MAHA supporters have come to view Holmes as a “deeply misunderstood character.”
Jessica Reed Kraus, a former mommy blogger turned MAHA influencer, has publicly defended Holmes in her Substack article titled “Elizabeth Holmes’ Redemption Arc Loading.” Kraus remarked that if Holmes were released today, she would likely be celebrated among the innovators that MAHA endorses. Holmes has expressed gratitude for this support while incarcerated, praising Kraus’s article as “beautifully written” on her account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
In a poll conducted by Kraus in May, a notable 81% of respondents disagreed with the fairness of Holmes’ prison sentence, illustrating a significant divide in public perception regarding Holmes’ legal troubles. Additionally, Holmes has been engaging with various MAHA enthusiasts, including entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, who has provided her with a specialized diet plan suitable for prison life.
Political commentary surrounding the convergence between the MAHA movement and Holmes’ saga suggests that both embrace anti-establishment sentiments. Pathologist Benjamin Mazer noted that Holmes has effectively positioned herself as an outsider challenging the corporate health industry. Kathryn Olivarius, a historian at Stanford, pointed out that Holmes fits seamlessly into the narrative of victimization within the MAHA community, where her story resonates as a symbol against perceived corporate oppression.
As Holmes continues to engage with the MAHA movement, her recent activities indicate a potential deepening relationship. Shortly after acknowledging Kraus’s article, she commented on social media about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., complimenting his willingness to challenge established narratives.
This intriguing intersection of figures within the health and innovation arena illustrates complex dynamics in public perception and the ongoing discourse surrounding corporate influence in healthcare. The development may signal a rising trend of aligning controversial figures with movements that critique traditional power structures, fostering conversations around innovation, accountability, and the future of health in America.