The New York Times faced widespread criticism after publishing a fact-check on remarks made by President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The fact-check analyzed Kennedy’s claim that the U.S. version of Froot Loops contains more artificial ingredients than its Canadian counterpart—a statement Kennedy made during a recent interview on MSNBC.
Kennedy, who endorsed Trump after suspending his own 2024 presidential campaign in August, has pledged to address chronic health issues and combat corruption within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of his mission to “Make America Healthy Again.”
In the interview, Kennedy criticized the FDA’s oversight of nutrition, arguing for substantial reforms. “In some categories, there are entire departments, like the nutrition department in the FDA, they have to go. They’re not doing their job. They’re not protecting our kids. Why do we have Froot Loops in this country that have 18 or 19 ingredients, and you go to Canada, and it’s got two or three?” he said.
NEW: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he intends to fire 600 employees at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The comments were made at an event in Scottsdale over the weekend where RFK stressed the importance of acting fast.
An audience member reportedly asked him what he would… pic.twitter.com/ezqR5X4J1x
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 12, 2024
The New York Times attempted to fact-check Kennedy’s statement, asserting that “the ingredient list is roughly the same” between the U.S. and Canadian versions of the cereal.
However, the report acknowledged significant differences, noting that the U.S. version includes artificial dyes such as red dye 40, yellow 5, and blue 1, as well as Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), a synthetic preservative.
MORE NEWS: Bondi Opens UnitedHealth Medicare Billing Investigation—Just Months After CEO Murder [WATCH]
In contrast, the Canadian version uses natural colorings derived from blueberries and carrots.
Critics argued that the Times inadvertently validated Kennedy’s claim while attempting to refute it.
The backlash was swift, with many taking to social media to mock the fact-check.
Brad Cohn, an X (formerly Twitter) user, wrote, “Spitting out my coffee after reading this NYT ‘fact check’ of RFK Jr. As you see, the ingredient list is just completely identical, except the US product contains formaldehyde, cyanide, and nearly undetectable levels of saxitoxin.” His post garnered nearly 11 million views.
Spitting out my coffee after reading this NYT “fact check” of RFK Jr. pic.twitter.com/sqL9jaeUR1
— Brad Cohn (@BradCohn) November 17, 2024
Jason Howerton, CEO of REACH Digital, expressed frustration, tweeting, “Read this ‘fact check’ on @RobertFKennedyJr from the NYT and tell me with a straight face we don’t need a radical transformation of our media and health agencies.”
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, also weighed in, stating, “This is what passes for a ‘fact check’ at The New York Times. The media lie a lot, but fortunately for us, they are also VERY stupid.”
This is what passes for a “fact check” at The New York Times.
The media lie a lot, but fortunately for us, they are also VERY stupid. pic.twitter.com/vje2bMnJET
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 17, 2024
MORE NEWS: January 6’s Biggest Media Cop Fanone Loses His Cool When Confronted by Pardoned J6er [WATCH]
Podcaster Jay Anderson added, “This has got to be the dumbest ‘Fact Check’ on RFK Jr. from the New York Times… who approved this?”
I actually can’t fathom how stupid this paragraph is…
— Jay Anderson (@TheProjectUnity) November 17, 2024
The controversy highlights the growing scrutiny surrounding artificial ingredients in U.S. food products and the role of health agencies in overseeing their use.
Kennedy’s remarks, alongside his calls to reform the FDA, align with his broader mission to address chronic health problems and reduce harmful additives in food.
As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kennedy is expected to push for significant changes, including stricter oversight of food and drug regulations.
His nomination reflects President-elect Trump’s continued focus on challenging federal agencies and advancing policies aimed at addressing public health concerns.
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sean Parnell. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.
What passes for a Cable/Alphabet “News” network was Nuked out of existence two weeks ago. The American people all realized they are nothing, but Opinion Shows like that Idiotic Show the View. Replete with a Bunch of Stupid, Harpy, Cackling, Karens that know next to nothing about how the Average, Normal American Thinks, but have decided they are so brilliant. They can Opine away endlessly on people they look down their Noses at every day with a giant Chip on their Shoulder. Whenever they are confronted with their Lies, they immediately go into the We’re “Journalists” Meme which all of us know is a crock. American so called “Journalism” died over Ten Years ago and went from so called Speaking truth to Power to Sucking up to Fascist Democrats and constantly Kissing their Butts!