Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), assured lawmakers during his Senate confirmation hearing that he would not restrict access to certain foods, including McDonald’s and Hostess Twinkies. Instead, he emphasized the importance of informing Americans about the health impacts of their dietary choices.
Kennedy stated that individuals should be free to eat what they prefer but should also be aware of the potential consequences. “I don’t want to take food away from anybody,” he said. “If you like a McDonald’s cheeseburger or Diet Coke — which my boss loves — you should be able to get them. If you want to eat Hostess Twinkies, you should be able to do that, but you should know what the impacts are on your family and on your health.”
His comments align with President Trump’s well-known preference for McDonald’s. According to Jared Kushner’s memoir, Trump frequently ordered a Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish, fries, and a vanilla shake. While Kennedy has been outspoken against processed foods, food additives, and fluoridated water, he maintains that Americans should have the right to make their own dietary decisions.
Trump nominated Kennedy for the HHS position in November, citing his commitment to restoring healthcare regulatory agencies to scientific integrity and transparency. If confirmed, Kennedy will oversee key agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Kennedy has been a vocal critic of ultra-processed foods and their effects on public health. He previously noted that 70% of American children’s diets consist of factory-manufactured ultra-processed foods containing refined sugars, processed grains, and seed oils. He argues that these ingredients, designed by food scientists to be addictive, have contributed to rising chronic health issues.
His nomination and statements have drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters see him as an advocate for health freedom and regulatory reform, while opponents have attacked his stance on vaccines and processed food regulation. As his confirmation process continues, the debate over food freedom, public health, and government oversight remains at the forefront.
