RFK Jr. Responds to Backlash Over Dunkin' Comments

Health secretary calls for review of sugary beverage safety data

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has responded to public backlash after announcing that Dunkin' Donuts will be asked to hand over "safety data" to review the health impact of its sugary beverages. Kennedy's comments at a rally in Austin prompted jokes and memes online, with even the Democratic Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey joining in the criticism.

Why it matters

Kennedy's push to review the safety of sugary drinks sold by major chains like Dunkin' is part of a broader effort by the HHS to encourage Americans to reduce their consumption of added sugars under new federal dietary guidelines. However, the backlash highlights the public's attachment to popular coffee and donut brands.

The details

At the rally in Austin, Kennedy said: "We're going to ask Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, 'Show us the safety data that show that it's okay for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it.' He added: "I don't think they're going to be able to do it." Healey responded by sharing a meme on X depicting a Dunkin' cup in place of the cannon on the "Come and Take It" flag. Kennedy later commented on Healey's post, saying "No one is taking away your Dunkin'. But isn't it reasonable to ask whether a drink loaded with 180 grams of sugar is safe?"

  • On March 1, 2026, Kennedy made the comments about Dunkin' Donuts at a rally in Austin.
  • On March 5, 2026, Healey shared the meme on X criticizing Kennedy's comments.
  • On March 6, 2026, Kennedy responded to the backlash on Healey's X post.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services who called for Dunkin' Donuts to provide safety data on its sugary beverages.

Maura Healey

The Democratic Governor of Massachusetts who criticized Kennedy's comments about Dunkin' Donuts on social media.

Dunkin' Donuts

The coffee and donut chain that Kennedy said would be asked to provide safety data on its sugary drinks.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to ask Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, 'Show us the safety data that show that it's okay for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it.' I don't think they're going to be able to do it.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services

“No one is taking away your Dunkin'. But isn't it reasonable to ask whether a drink loaded with 180 grams of sugar is safe?”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services (X)

What’s next

The HHS is expected to formally request safety data from Dunkin' Donuts and other major chains that sell sugary beverages in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Kennedy's push to review the safety of sugary drinks highlights the broader public health debate around added sugars, but the backlash also shows the strong emotional attachment many Americans have to popular coffee and donut brands like Dunkin'.