You might have seen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about to scoff McDonald’s on Donald Trump’s plane. Was he putting his healthy eating principles to one side—or was it an opening salvo for a bold strategy to lead Americans toward healthier choices, signaling that we’re all in it together?
Listen to the audio version of this article:
THE TOPLINE
- A photo of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. eating McDonald’s with Donald Trump and members of his inner circle has sparked debate about how the new Administration will tackle Americans’ addiction to ultraprocessed and fast foods.
- As the likely next HHS leader, among the issues we think RFK Jr. should prioritize are reforming agricultural subsidies, improving school lunch nutrition, addressing sugar and processed food addiction, eliminating roadblocks to safe, natural medicines imposed by FDA over-regulation, and promoting regenerative agriculture to make healthier food more accessible and sustainable.
- We touch on the systemic issues and cultural influences RFK Jr. would need to tackle to reverse current trends of ever-decreasing health span.
The recent news that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Donald Trump’s Administration has sparked intense public discussion. Known for his criticism of ultraprocessed foods and his commitment to improving public health, RFK’s appointment would almost certainly signal a major and much needed shift in U.S. health policy. But a widely circulated, recent image of RFK about to dive into a McDonald’s meal with President-elect Trump, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump Jr. on a private jet appears to complicate the narrative. Or does it? Does this picture signal that RFK is prepared to compromise his principles? Or does it reveal something deeper about his approach to tackling America’s health crisis?
Mickey D Plane Food: Was It Shockvertising?
RFK has famously referred to ultraprocessed foods as “poison” and vowed to address their harmful effects if given the chance to lead HHS. Yet, in the viral photo (18.2 million views at the time of writing), he’s seen eating McDonald’s, and not even any of its supposedly healthier options. Let’s remind ourselves that McDonald’s is by far the largest fast food chain in the world and it really is the epitome of junk, ultraprocessed food.
Sitting down to McDonald’s or KFC—the only two brands of food typically served on Trump’s private jet—alongside President-elect Trump, the man who has just tapped you to lead HHS and promised to let you “go wild on health,” isn’t exactly the moment to lecture him on the dangers of ultraprocessed food and ask for a bowl of organic greens.
Was the photo part of an orchestrated plan to signal RFK’s commitment to change? Did RFK begrudgingly tuck in to the Mickey D, or was the team trying to show that RFK understands where many Americans are going to be starting their journey to better health? After all, Donald Jr. captioned the photo “Make America Healthy Again starts TOMORROW.” Might RFK Jr. later even claim that he didn’t allow the “poison” to touch his lips?
Who knows? Either way, the viral image has really got Americans talking about the importance of the relationship between the food we eat and our health. And, like those controversial, ‘shockvertising’ Benetton ads from years ago‚ getting people talking is how you raise awareness and it’s from a place of awareness that you instill change.
10 Things RFK Might Do As Head of HHS
If RFK’s track record and principles are any indication, his leadership at HHS could bring significant changes to public health policies. He’s indicated repeatedly that, if given a top job in the new Administration, he would prioritize removing the US from the top of the list of the world’s most chronically diseased nations. Additional to the 12 areas we highlighted immediately after the election, here are some of more specific ideas that ANH-USA has advocated for that we hope will become priorities for RFK, assuming he takes office as head of HHS:
- Countering Unjustified Censorship
As our FreeSpeech4Health campaign has shown, the rise of censorship on social media has prevented private individuals from receiving and sharing information via social media about the health benefits of food—even when this is scientifically validated. This is a huge impediment to helping Americans make informed choices that promote their health. RFK has signaled eliminating unjustified censorship will be a priority. - Reforming Healthcare
As we’ve argued recently, more regulation is no way to reduce the unnecessary harm caused by Americans’ over-dependence on pharmaceutical drugs. Efforts to use federal powers to break drug monopolies could well be on the menu, as could ditching the Affordable Care Act—Obamacare—and replacing it with something more affordable that worked better. Plans are sketchy at present. - Truthful Communication to Consumers
For years, government forces have worked to obscure and censor truthful information about the benefits of dietary supplements and other natural medicines. The Health Department under RFK and President-elect Trump’s pick for FDA Commissioner will likely consider reforms to this policy of government censorship of commercial speech. This would help Americans to take control of their own health by helping them make informed choices over healthy foods and supplements at the point of sale. At ANH, we’re involved in a major project to invigorate the FDA Modernization Act to make this happen. You’ll hear more on this soon. - Protecting Peptides
We’ve been covering the FDA’s attack on compounded peptide medications and we’re busy developing a major defensive. Peptides are medicines that have shown incredible healing and life-extending potential, yet the FDA is using a biased bureaucratic process to remove access to compounded peptides like BPC-157, Epitalon, kisspeptin-10 and thymosin alpha-1. RFK Jr. specifically mentioned peptides in a recent post on X as part of the FDA’s “war on public health,” signaling his intention to put an end to this suppression. - Reforming the ‘Broken’ US food System
One major reason that junk food is so cheap and accessible is the government subsidies supporting crops like corn and soy, which are often used to produce high-fructose corn syrup and other unhealthy ingredients. Redirecting these subsidies toward fruits, vegetables, and regenerative agriculture could make healthy food more affordable for everyone. - Transforming School Lunches
Children’s health has been a central focus of RFK through his non-profit, Children’s Health Defense, an organization alongside which we’ve worked closely for a number of years. Many school meals are laden with toxins, artificial dyes, and ultraprocessed ingredients. RFK could champion policies that set higher nutritional standards for school lunches, removing the bulk of ultraprocessed ingredients, harmful additives and prioritizing fresh, whole foods. - Addressing Food Addiction
Sugar addiction and peer pressure to consume junk food are deeply ingrained in American culture. RFK could push for public health campaigns to educate Americans about the dangers of ultraprocessed foods, as well as incentives for companies to reduce sugar and artificial additives in their products. - Supporting Regenerative Agriculture
As part of an effort to boost domestic food production and reduce reliance on bioengineered solutions that have little safety data to support them, RFK will likely promote regenerative agriculture. This approach prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, offering a way to produce nutrient-dense food while addressing environmental concerns. - Subverting Big Pharma Influence at the FDA
RFK recently said: “FDA’s war on public health is about to end…If you work for the FDA and are part of this corrupt system, I have two messages for you: 1. Preserve your records, and 2. Pack your bags.” Observers have noted that RFK Jr. could attempt to influence negotiations around the drug user fee program that funds just about half of the FDA’s budget. This could send shockwaves through the drug industry and fundamentally change the balance of power at the FDA, which in our view is captured by drug industry interests. - A Save for Homeopathy
The FDA has declared war on homeopathic medicines. RFK Jr. may become the first head of HHS who is truly sympathetic to the cause of saving access to homeopathy (not to mention other natural medicines). He is obviously acutely aware of the institutional biases against modalities like homeopathy, biases that support a drug monopoly model that keeps us sick. We strongly believe an RFK-led HHS will be open to reforming FDA policies that are antagonistic toward our access to homeopathic medicines.
Tackling Behavioral Change: A Step-by-Step Continuum
America’s health crisis isn’t just about policy—it’s about changing deeply entrenched behaviors that are intimately linked to our emotional states and culture. People often turn to junk food as a cheap, convenient source of comfort, especially when struggling with financial or emotional challenges. RFK’s strategy might hinge on the recognition that the transition from eating McDonald’s to preparing organic, home-cooked meals won’t happen overnight.
Critics argue that Trump surrounds himself with yes-men, but RFK has a reputation for being principled and uncompromising. The McDonald’s meal could be seen as a moment of weakness—or as a clever reminder that even the most committed advocates for change must navigate the messy realities of American food culture.
The bigger question is whether RFK can leverage his principles to inspire the kind of cultural and policy shifts needed to “Make America Healthy Again.” If appointed, he’ll face immense challenges—from corporate food lobbies to public resistance—but he’ll also have a historic opportunity to redefine what health looks like for millions of Americans.
Moving Forward: A Vision for Change
RFK’s potential appointment as head of HHS presents a unique moment to rethink U.S. health policy. By addressing the root causes of poor nutrition, the problems of regulatory capture by Big Pharma and Big Food, as well as unjustified censorship of truthful health information, he could lead the country on a transformative journey. Whether he starts with McDonald’s or a kale smoothie, the key will be creating policies that support healthier choices for all Americans while addressing systemic issues in the food and healthcare industries.
At ANH, we’re a non-partisan, issue-driven change organization. When you look at the options we’ve had in the past to help make a seismic shift in government health policy towards natural and regenerative health, the possibility of RFK leading HHS appears like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That’s why we think he’s the smartest choice for a healthier future for America. We also recognize the critical role that will be played by the next FDA Commissioner. In that regard, we’re very interested in the possibility of Dr. Mary Ruwart getting that seat. Her views are well aligned with those of RFK and she has both the understanding of how regulatory capture works, as well as the skills to tackle cronyism and oversee a proportionate approach to food and drug regulation.
As ANH-USA’s President and Medical Director, veteran integrative medicine physician, Dr. Ron Hoffman, told us, “They say “all politics are local.” Well, health freedom is our neighborhood, and we anticipate that people will have the discernment to set aside their party differences and rally to support the initiatives that positively affect our health choices.”
Please share widely – and let us know your thoughts about the RFK nomination as head of HHS.
It is a Faustian bargain. He is a liar. And an opportunist. Sure, he is in favor of “cleaning up the FDA” But Big Pharma will always win.
He has no bureaucratic credentials. Be very careful for what you wish.
Trump will NOT make America healthy again.
He did so much to increase pesticide and herbicide use, and to make water less safe, and to allow more sulfuric acid and methane to be spewed into the air .
If Trump is president again, he will appoint RFK to study how to make America healthy again, but it will all just be talk with hardly any action.
The studying will take as long as possible, and if they finally issue recommendations, Trump will sabotage them one way or the other…. or he will get his minions in Congress to do so.
All the while they will be talking as though they want to make America healthy again, but the children of America will continue to suffer under Trump as they did last time he was president .
Even if some harmful chemicals are indeed banned, take note that the bans will probably be phased in over a number of years instead of any quick action.
Or they will actually ban some harmful poisons, but then quietly approve others to be used that may be even worse.
Bottom line: Trump will render RFK powerless, Trump is like Lucy with the football 🙄
And it is shocking RFK can’t figure this out.
One of the ways that we know that Trump has not changed is because he has utterly failed to apologize for all the horrible things he did when he was president.
The other way, we know that RFK is not likely to be sincere that he’s constantly making excuses for Trump, falsely, claiming that Trump didn’t know all the damage it was being done when he was president.
If Trump actually didn’t know, that shows incompetence on a truly massive scale
Censorship?… if RFK was actually concerned about censorship, don’t you think he ought to pay attention to the fact that Trump wanted the military to shoot peaceful protesters… That seems like a rather extreme form of censorship for people who were just trying to exercise their first amendment rights
If McDonald’s would use organic potatoes and tallow for frying it would be a good start. Making fried organic radishes cooked in tallow would even better. IMHO, the radishes are even better than potatoes and healthier.
Keep in mind, The photo doesn’t show RFK actually “eating” McDonalds. I kinda think the look on his face shows disdain, but that’s me. We all know Trump loves Micky D’s. That’s doesn’t mean RFK will follow suit. I think it was a “trolling” photo. But Good article! Thanks for The 10 points. I think RFK will do great!
I think you mean scarf down. Not scoff.
The most likely reason for Trump putting Kennedy in the situation to eat McDonald’s food was to humiliate him and punish him for speaking out against Trump in the past. There is always a picture of the humiliation. Trump has done this to numerous other people who have challenged him in the past and then groveled before him. It is a power play, pure and simple.
The look on RFK’s face in that picture doesn’t reflect Happy Meal feelings. This might have been a moment of “when in Rome…”
His nomination still needs Senate approval. While the Republicans dominate that house, they have also benefited greatly from PAC donations from big pharma. This could get interesting as they will be pressured on both sides. RFK may be our last great hope in that department.
We are part of the Earth’s ecosystem. We have to live within this framework for healthy survival. The last several administrations emphasis regarding health has been on finding another pharmaceutical drug or technique to bandage the dis-ease that occurs when we don’t play by the rules of nature. It seems RFK Jr had to figure this out to regain his own health. If he can use this knowledge to influence the direction of our nation’s health it’s the best thing I’ve heard in years. That goes way beyond partisan politics.
The nomination of RFKJ as the new secretary of healthis a breakthrough in the right direction. This as long he respect the positive part of the classical mainstream medicine. Going back to the future of the past in classical home care treatments with natural substances in a holistic way by at the same time holistic use the high tech of thie century will inseed make the USA healthy again.
It depends now how the “Pharmafiosi” from Big Pharma will react on this. But wathever anyway, some light on the end of the tunnel.
Prof. Guy Van Elsacker DrSc.
http://www.science4thefuture.com
They don’t show rfk jr eating french fries. We have no idea if he took the bun off and didn’t eat the fries or not. He claims he was forced to eat fast foods while with Trump, but this is no excuse. He could have brought his own food.
“Make America Healthy Again…” while promoting McDonalds? Outrageous! I believe JFK Jr. will take the steps necessary for healthier foods and natural medicine. However, consumers need to be more educated before making choices on what to eat. I’ve worked in health food stores, was an herbalist for ten years and have witnessed customers, pets included, overcome illnesses by using natural remedies. The biggest hurdle is that they’re not a quick fix. Being patient assures a healthier body and mind creating a balance in all our physical systems.
I sure hope that RFK actually gets confirmed but it will be an uphill battle because Big Pharma is so wealthy and controls not only the FDA, CDC, and other federal agencies but also medical schools and the AMA. They also control large swaths of the media and Congress through ad revenues paid to the media and direct lobbying and stock ownership of people in Congress. Don’t forget he also has to fight the chemical companies that sell the pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides that modern farmers have been brainwashed to think are necessary for anything to grow. First off he must get rid of the drug user fees and the revolving door for the heads of the various agencies that regulate the food supply and healthcare- there should be a non compete clause for at least 5 years for any heads of the regulating agencies. That is the only way to insure that they will actually do what’s best for the public not what’s best for personal gain. Drug companies also need to be banned from direct to consumer advertising with the exception of OTC- afterall the public has no medical training so they have to go through their doctors anyway for prescription drugs and this advertising just provides leverage to influence what gets reported or not as the media is dependent on advertising fees. We also need to stop the removal of content from the internet of alternative views as was rampant during Covid. All regulating agencies should be fully funded by the government and do their own testing- NO reliance on data from the industries they regulate which is usually incomplete or massaged to show stuff in the best light so it is allowed to be sold. For instance, vaccines are never tested against a placebo but against other vaccines or at least a solution that contains the adjuvants used in vaccines, which means a comparison of relative poisons. Remove the protection from lawsuits that vaccine manufacturers enjoy so they develop safer vaccines or if a safer vaccine can’t be developed for a particular disease than sera or other support for those stricken can be developed. Many fewer died in countries that regularly use Ivermectin for other conditions than in countries where its use was restricted in favor of new expensive and much less effective drugs during covid. I think the next thing to do is write my congressmen and ask them to confirm RFK.
Did not actually see him put that food in his mouth! I also read that Melania and RFK jr are working to get Trump to improve his diet. Bobby will do great things if he is confirmed.
He needs to make supplements and valid alternative care options covered by insurance. So, much more to do than that though- all of the TREASONOUS people leading the FDA, CDC, NIH, and others need ARRESTED and brought to trial, including Pfizer CEO Bourla, for TREASON, Mass Democide, and more… anything else will not fix the root problem.