Just days after vowing to “make America healthy again,” President-elect Donald Trump and his pick for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were spotted indulging in McDonald’s during a trip to New York. The surprising moment was shared online by Donald Trump Jr., who posted a photo of the pair enjoying fast food alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk and himself. The image showed the four men sitting in front of trays filled with burgers, fries, and Coca-Cola.
Trump’s choice of Kennedy, a well-known critic of processed food and a prominent anti-vaccine advocate, was unexpected by many, given their seemingly conflicting dietary habits. Kennedy has long argued for reducing the consumption of sugar-laden, high-fat, and additive-heavy foods to address America’s obesity epidemic. He has often criticized the food industry for promoting unhealthy eating habits, which contribute to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, despite this clear stance on nutrition, the photo posted by Donald Jr. showed Kennedy hesitantly holding an open burger box, appearing visibly less enthusiastic about the meal compared to the other diners.
The unexpected meal took place during a flight to New York, where the group was headed to watch an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event. The outing marked one of the first public appearances of the team since the election on November 5, where Trump and Kennedy had campaigned together on a platform promising to tackle issues related to health and wellness, including the widespread consumption of processed foods. The image, however, sparked criticism and jokes online, with many pointing out the irony of indulging in fast food so soon after making health-related promises to the American public.
During the campaign, Trump openly discussed his love for fast food, particularly mentioning his fondness for McDonald’s and KFC. He has been spotted at various campaign stops enjoying meals from these popular chains, often opting for burgers, fried chicken, and Diet Coke. His preference for fast food has become a well-known aspect of his public persona, with Trump often describing fast food as a safe and reliable choice. He has also been known to have fast food served on his private plane, jokingly referring to it as his go-to meal option. Despite these preferences, Trump announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as health secretary with a commitment to reform America’s food system.
Kennedy, a member of the famous Democratic political family and the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, has built a reputation for his controversial views on health issues, particularly his criticism of vaccines. He has also been vocal about the impact of industrial food production on public health, frequently highlighting the need to address the high levels of sugar and unhealthy additives in the American diet. In a recent podcast appearance, Kennedy did not hold back on his disapproval of Trump’s diet, labeling it as “really bad.” He mentioned that the choices on Trump’s airplane were limited to fast food options like KFC and Big Macs, which he described as “poison.”
Despite the apparent contradictions, Trump expressed confidence in Kennedy’s ability to lead the health department. During the nomination announcement, Trump highlighted Kennedy’s long-standing criticism of the food industry and pharmaceutical companies, framing him as an ideal candidate to drive significant changes in public health policy. He emphasized the need to curb the influence of the “industrial food complex,” which he blamed for contributing to America’s health problems. However, Kennedy’s appointment is not yet finalized and will require confirmation by the Senate, where some Republican leaders have already voiced concerns about his suitability for the role.
Kennedy’s nomination has been met with mixed reactions. While some supporters see him as a strong advocate for reforming America’s health policies, particularly in areas like nutrition and vaccine safety, critics argue that his views are too extreme and could lead to controversial policy decisions. His stance on vaccines, in particular, has been a point of contention, with many health experts and lawmakers expressing skepticism about his ability to handle issues related to public health given his history of promoting anti-vaccine theories.
As Kennedy awaits Senate confirmation, the image of him and Trump sharing a McDonald’s meal has already become a symbol of the potential challenges he may face in his new role. The photograph has sparked discussions about whether the new administration’s health initiatives will align with their personal lifestyle choices and whether Kennedy will be able to influence broader dietary changes at a national level.
