URGENT UPDATE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under fire for prioritizing fast food over American farming as his administration faces significant funding cuts. In a recent interview with Sean Hannity, Kennedy touted the virtues of beef tallow-fried french fries, dismissing the critical needs of small farms nationwide.
During the March interview, Kennedy declared, “They turned me into a verb,” while promoting fries from a Florida Steak ’n Shake. This comes as the Trump administration has slashed over $1 billion from programs that support small farms, contradicting Kennedy’s own advocacy for healthier food systems.
Experts are raising alarms about the contradiction between Kennedy’s rhetoric and the administration’s actions. While he calls for a focus on “real food,” his campaign appears more like a rebranding of fast food than a genuine investment in agriculture. As public health experts warn about the dangers of ultra-processed foods, Kennedy’s actions may divert attention from the pressing needs of American farmers.
Independent farmers are sounding the alarm over the widening gap between Kennedy’s promises and the reality on the ground. The MAHA Commission, which Kennedy leads, released a report in May indicating that childhood chronic diseases are linked to ultra-processed foods and advocating for whole foods from American farmers. However, funding for essential programs like tribal food banks and a $660 million initiative for school produce has vanished.
“This is a huge deal for small farmers,” said Ellee Igoe, co-owner of Solidarity Farm in Southern California. “We’re growing healthy food and providing it to local communities, yet contracts are being canceled without real reason.”
As of mid-March, the USDA has suspended billions in payments for critical programs supporting rural communities. The cuts have also affected public institutions that farmers rely on, further threatening the agricultural infrastructure. With hunger on the rise and public school meal programs under threat, the consequences of these funding cuts are dire.
Farmers are facing a bleak future, with essential federal support disappearing. The USDA has closed regional offices, making it more difficult for farmers to access necessary resources. Coupled with climate instability, these cuts threaten the functionality of agricultural life across the nation.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, Kennedy continues to focus on corporate partnerships rather than systemic reform. In June, he announced a collaboration with Starbucks to adjust menu offerings, raising questions about whether the “food as medicine” approach truly addresses public health needs or simply enhances corporate branding.
With the Trump administration prioritizing corporate interests over small farmers, the urgency for genuine reform in America’s food system has never been more pressing. Farmers, communities, and public health advocates are left wondering what will happen next in this ongoing crisis.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and the implications for American agriculture and public health continue to unfold.
