RFK Jr. Targets SNAP Soda Spending As Paid Conservatives Rush To Defend Junk Food
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing off against an unlikely set of critics as he moves to remove soda from the list of items that can be bought with food stamps. Some of the loudest pushback isn’t coming from the Left — it’s coming from so-called conservatives echoing industry talking points.
Kennedy, working with West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, is backing a proposal that would prohibit SNAP recipients from using taxpayer money to buy sugary drinks. The effort is part of the broader “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.
Morrisey said the policy is about directing taxpayer money toward food that promotes real health. Kennedy agreed and called on other governors to take similar action. At least 15 states are already exploring the option with HHS officials.
While the policy would still allow people to purchase soda with their own money, some influencers on the Right have taken to social media claiming the proposal restricts freedom. Many of the posts appeared at the same time and used nearly identical phrasing — raising questions about whether these voices were being paid to defend soda companies.
Kennedy has been clear the issue is about ending subsidies, not banning drinks. Calley Means, a senior White House adviser, emphasized that this is a budget and public health decision — not a cultural one.
Industry figures, like those at the American Beverage Association, have attempted to downplay the impact of soda on national health. But the data shows rising health care costs are often tied to sugar consumption — and taxpayers frequently foot the bill.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said she will review Morrisey’s waiver request and ensure other states have the resources to do the same. Meanwhile, the debate continues as Kennedy calls out the hypocrisy of influencers defending taxpayer-funded soda in the name of freedom.
