URGENT UPDATE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked significant controversy by prioritizing fast food over the future of American farming. During a recent interview with Sean Hannity, Kennedy, flanked by a double cheeseburger and a fresh order of fries at a Florida Steak ‘n Shake, declared, “They turned me into a verb.” His latest campaign, dubbed Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), promotes beef tallow fries as a step toward national wellness, despite ongoing cuts to vital farming programs.
This development comes just as the Trump administration slashed over $1 billion from initiatives that support small farms—programs that Kennedy has previously praised as essential for American health. As Kennedy champions “real food” and calls ultra-processed foods a public health emergency, critics argue his actions contradict his rhetoric, emphasizing that his focus on fast food undermines the very farmers he claims to support.
According to a June report by The Guardian, independent and organic farmers have expressed alarm over the widening gap between Kennedy’s statements and the administration’s actions. The MAHA Commission, led by Kennedy, issued a 78-page report asserting that childhood chronic diseases are linked to ultra-processed foods. However, the administration has already cut funding to programs designed to provide fresh produce to schools and tribal food systems.
Ellee Igoe, co-owner of Solidarity Farm in Southern California, remarked, “This is a huge deal for small farmers. We’re growing healthy food and providing it to local communities. And they are cancelling contracts without real reason.”
The USDA’s recent actions include suspending billions in payments to at least fifteen programs that support rural communities and cutting another billion dollars designated for schools and food banks. These cuts threaten the livelihoods of farmers who rely on these systems.
Additionally, the administration has closed regional offices that previously provided essential support to farmers, forcing them to travel long distances for assistance. With climate instability compounding the issues, farmers face a grim future.
The overall impact of these cuts is significant: hunger is rising, public school meal programs are threatened, and farmers are losing critical resources. Yet, Kennedy’s public persona as the nation’s top health official continues to focus on corporate gestures, with a recent announcement that Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol will modify the chain’s menu as part of the MAHA initiative.
As public health advocates question the direction of Kennedy’s campaign, the urgent need for a real investment in American agriculture remains clear. What happens next is crucial—will Kennedy pivot his focus back to supporting farmers, or will his fast food branding continue to overshadow the pressing needs of the agricultural community?
Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent issue affecting the future of American food systems.
