Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter criticized a recent Trump administration decision permitting schools to serve whole milk under the federal lunch program, characterizing the move as “white supremacy dog whistling” during a town hall event.

Last month, the United States Department of Agriculture announced that schools participating in the National School Lunch Program would once again be allowed to offer whole milk as an option. The change affects meals served to roughly 30 million students nationwide. The policy does not require schools to serve whole milk but restores it as a permissible choice.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins credited Donald Trump for the shift, describing it as beneficial for children, families, and American dairy farmers. She said the move aligns with updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans and supports access to nutrient-dense foods. Rollins also framed the decision as reversing policies advanced during the Obama administration that limited whole milk in school cafeterias.

Dexter, speaking in a video later circulated on X by RNC Research, questioned the scientific basis for the change and accused Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of potentially benefiting financially, though she did not provide evidence to support that claim.

“Please ask for the science-based regimens,” Dexter said. “Not whatever RFK Jr. is getting kickbacks on, or you know, whatever whole milk white supremacy dog whistling that’s happening right now.”

During the same event, Dexter also criticized the administration’s immigration enforcement policies, describing them as harmful and suggesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could be dismantled if there were sufficient political support.

The school milk policy change comes amid broader debates over nutrition standards, parental choice, and federal involvement in local education decisions.

The restored whole milk option will be implemented as schools update menus under the revised federal standards.