Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sparks Memes and Outrage Over Potential Health Policies
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the former Democratic presidential candidate turned independent, who recently endorsed President-elect Donald Trump, is set to become the next Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary. This announcement has ignited controversy, given Kennedy’s history of vaccine skepticism and promotion of health claims widely criticized by medical experts. His contentious positions include opposing water fluoridation, promoting raw milk, questioning the link between HIV and AIDS, and making baseless assertions that COVID-19 was engineered to avoid Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people.
While some critics have voiced serious concerns, others have taken to social media with humor and memes to mock Kennedy’s potential impact on American diets.
The Diet Coke Uproar
Diet Coke drinkers, in particular, have zeroed in on Kennedy’s previous comments about nutrition policies, imagining a dystopian future where their favorite beverage might be banned. Though Kennedy has not suggested outright banning sodas like Diet Coke, he has proposed limiting the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase sugary drinks and processed foods. This nuance, however, hasn’t stopped internet users from running with the joke.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user shared an image of Diet Coke with the caption:
“Come take it RFK.”
Another quipped:
“If RFK bans Diet Coke, I’ll make Jan. 6 look like a Girl Scout meeting.”
This comment inspired a reply featuring a photoshopped image from Jan. 6, showing a protestor holding a flag emblazoned with a “Come and Take It” Diet Coke slogan.
Memes Beyond Diet Coke
The humor hasn’t stopped at soda. Snacks like Captain Crunch, Cheez-Its, and Sour Patch Kids are also in the crosshairs of social media satire.
One viral meme showed a Captain Crunch figure holding a Cheez-It shield, leaping into battle alongside an army of Sour Patch Kids, with the caption:
“Come and take it.”
Another user joked about Kennedy targeting Smucker’s Uncrustables, saying, “He’s definitely gonna make these things illegal.” Similar jokes surfaced about other popular snacks like Fritos Honey BBQ Twists, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Skittles.
On TikTok, a parody video featured a fake RFK Jr. announcing, “I’m gonna need to confiscate this last bag of Cool Ranch Doritos.” The clip garnered 1.6 million views, with comments like:
“When he takes the Oreos, we ride at dawn!”
“Don’t tread on Doritos, RFK.”
Fans Join the Fun
Even Kennedy supporters have embraced the trend, blending humor with support for his policies. One TikToker joked while holding a box of snacks:
“Enjoying my last box of red dye 40, yellow 5, blue 1… before Uncle RFK rips them away from me.”
The video’s caption clarified the creator was joking, adding:
“Excited for RFK’s policy changes but I’ll miss my sweet Christmas tree cakes.”
Another RFK fan chimed in:
“These are my favorite new videos on TikTok right now. RFK Jr. finna make us swol again.”
The Serious Side of the Debate
Despite the memes, Kennedy’s proposals raise legitimate questions about government involvement in nutrition and public health. Critics argue his approach could alienate consumers who view such policies as overreach, while supporters see his stance as a necessary step toward improving the nation’s health.
For now, the internet’s reaction is a mix of satire, skepticism, and spirited defense of beloved snacks, with Diet Coke and Doritos humorously taking center stage.
