Jillian Michaels Slams New York Times for ‘Blatant Hit Piece’ on MAHA Movement: Fitness Icon Defends Her Role Amid Controversy
Fitness guru Jillian Michaels unleashed a fiery critique against The New York Times on September 9, 2025, accusing the outlet of publishing a “blatant hit piece” that portrays her and other supporters of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement as dangerous conspiracy theorists. The backlash stems from a recent NYT video essay that Michaels claims radicalizes viewers against the health care industry while unfairly targeting her advocacy for wellness reforms led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Criticism: Michaels Calls Out NYT’s Shift from Balanced to Biased
Michaels, known for her no-nonsense approach on “The Biggest Loser,” took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her frustration, highlighting the contrast between a positive profile the NYT ran on her just two weeks earlier and the new video essay. “I JUST gave the @nytimes credit for an honest, balanced portrayal of my positions. Two weeks later? A blatant hit piece,” she wrote. The essay, part of NYT Opinion’s video journalism series, features clips of Michaels and other MAHA influencers, accusing them of leading millions down a “conspiracy theory-lined rabbit hole” that erodes trust in the health care system.
In the video, Michaels is shown expressing skepticism toward mRNA vaccines, stating, “I don’t think I’ll take an mRNA vaccine ever,” a clip used to illustrate what the NYT describes as the movement’s anti-establishment rhetoric. Michaels, a vocal MAHA proponent, has positioned herself as a champion for personal health responsibility, criticizing corporate greed in food and pharma industries. She attended a Senate roundtable with MAHA nominee Casey Means and visited the White House for the May 2025 MAHA report release, where she sat in the “new media” press seat.
An NYT spokesperson defended the piece, telling Fox News Digital it is a “thorough look at the MAHA movement featuring dozens of clips of government officials, media figures and wellness influencers, including Ms. Michaels, using their own words for any viewer to plainly see. Independent journalism like this is built from reporting and fact-checking for audiences to better understand the world around them.”
Background: Michaels’ Evolution from Liberal to MAHA Advocate
Michaels, 51, rose to fame as a tough-love trainer on “The Biggest Loser” from 2005 to 2015, later launching her podcast “Keeping It Real with Jillian Michaels” and fitness app. Once a self-described Hollywood liberal, she shifted politically after the COVID-19 pandemic, endorsing Trump in 2024 as a “lesser evil” and aligning with MAHA—a movement spearheaded by RFK Jr. to combat chronic diseases through policy changes like reducing ultra-processed foods and scrutinizing vaccines.
Her August 25, 2025, NYT profile, titled “How Did Jillian Michaels End Up Here?”, portrayed her transformation positively, noting her role as a “defining voice of the MAHA era.” It detailed her appearances at White House events and Senate hearings, where she decried America’s health as “sacrificed at the altar of unchecked corporate greed.” Michaels has faced prior controversies, including backlash for her anti-vaxx leanings and a viral CNN debate on slavery and the Smithsonian, where she accused anchor Abby Phillip of “lying” about Trump’s policies. She also criticized a Netflix documentary on “The Biggest Loser” for ignoring her contributions and straining her friendship with co-star Bob Harper.
MAHA, under RFK Jr., has gained traction in conservative circles, overlapping with “crunchy mom” wellness trends but drawing criticism for promoting unproven theories on vaccines and food dyes. Michaels has been dubbed the “mother of MAHA” by figures like Benny Johnson, though she downplays the label.
Public Reactions: Backlash Against NYT and Support for Michaels
Social media erupted in response to Michaels’ post, with supporters praising her for calling out perceived media bias. On X, users rallied with hashtags like #StandWithJillian and #MAHA, one viral post reading, “NYT goes from fair profile to hit job in weeks? Smells like agenda!” amassing thousands of retweets. Conservative outlets like Fox News amplified her comments, framing it as an example of “mainstream media smears” against Trump allies.
Critics, however, accused Michaels of hypocrisy, referencing her past liberal stances and controversies like her Daily Mail op-ed decrying Pride Month as overtaken by “fetish conventions.” Threads and Facebook comments on the NYT profile called her a “sane-washer” for right-wing views, with one user stating, “From bullying fat people on TV to MAGA pundit—NYT, what happened?” Wrestling and fitness fans, while divided, largely supported her, viewing the essay as an attack on free speech in health discussions.
Experts in media ethics, like those from the Poynter Institute, note the shift from profile to opinion piece as standard journalism, but acknowledge the timing raises questions about agenda-driven reporting.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Wellness, Politics, and Media Trust
For American health enthusiasts, Michaels’ feud spotlights the politicization of wellness, with MAHA’s focus on “health freedom” resonating amid rising chronic disease rates (e.g., obesity at 42% per CDC). Economically, it ties into debates on food regulations, as MAHA pushes for bans on additives like red dye, potentially affecting $1 trillion in processed food sales. Her app and podcast, with episodes on topics like “illegal immigration and DEI,” blend fitness with conservative commentary, influencing lifestyle choices for millions.
Politically, it exemplifies media divides in the Trump era, eroding trust—only 32% of Americans trust news outlets per Gallup polls. Technologically, her platform’s video integration promotes accessible fitness, but controversies like her vaccine stance fuel misinformation concerns. Sports and fitness fans see parallels to athletes endorsing MAHA, like RFK Jr.’s surgeon general nominee Casey Means, impacting gym culture and endorsements.
Conclusion: A Clash Over Health Narratives and Media Integrity
Jillian Michaels’ slamming of The New York Times for a “blatant hit piece” on the MAHA movement underscores the growing tensions between wellness influencers and mainstream media, just weeks after a favorable profile. As she defends her advocacy for health reforms, the episode highlights how personal transformations like hers—from liberal trainer to MAHA voice—ignite broader debates on corporate influence in health care.
Looking ahead, expect more scrutiny of MAHA as RFK Jr. implements policies, with Michaels likely continuing her podcast rants. For U.S. readers, this saga reminds us that in the battle for better health, narratives—and who controls them—are as crucial as the workouts themselves.