Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Defends Viral Big Mac Photo: “It’s the Seed Oils, Not McDonald’s”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing back against critics after a viral photo showed him holding a McDonald’s Big Mac aboard President-elect Donald Trump’s private jet, “Trump Force One.” The image, shared by Donald Trump Jr. with the caption “Make America Healthy Again starts TOMORROW,” sparked heated debate online, with many calling Kennedy’s fast food photo-op a contradiction of his health advocacy.

Kennedy, who is slated to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Trump administration, has a long history of criticizing processed foods. However, in a recent interview on Fox & Friends, Kennedy clarified his position, stating that his health concerns are not about fast food itself but about certain ingredients used in modern food production.

“I don’t have anything against fast food,” Kennedy explained. “I’m against food that has seed oils. When I was a kid, McDonald’s was made with tallow [animal] fat. That was good for you, and your body needs that—it makes you healthy. Why aren’t we making it with tallow fat again?”

The photo touched off a wave of reactions, with some accusing Kennedy of hypocrisy and others defending him. Critics questioned how someone with a history of speaking out against processed foods could be photographed embracing a Big Mac, while supporters argued that the image doesn’t negate his overall advocacy for healthier practices.

Fast food has become a staple of Donald Trump’s brand, with the President-elect frequently featuring chains like McDonald’s in his public appearances. While the Big Mac moment on “Trump Force One” aligned with Trump’s image as a man of the people, Kennedy’s health-conscious message seemed at odds with the optics.