How beef climbed to the top of the food pyramid

The American diet is undergoing a government-led shift as the Trump administration introduces an inverted food pyramid that prioritizes animal proteins and healthy fats over carbohydrates. This policy change, championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., seeks to end the "war on saturated fats" by elevating foods like beef and dairy to the top of the dietary hierarchy. Historically, beef transitioned from a local delicacy to a daily staple in the late 1800s due to the expansion of railroads and refrigerated shipping. Despite health concerns following President Eisenhower’s 1955 heart attack and later environmental warnings regarding methane emissions, the beef industry successfully maintained its cultural dominance through strategic lobbying and iconic "Beef. It's What's for Dinner" advertising campaigns. While per capita beef consumption has dropped from 86 pounds in the 1970s to 60 pounds today, it remains a potent symbol of American identity and political affiliation.