Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, has informed his supporters that Donald Trump “promised” to appoint him to oversee public health authorities, and he has dedicated himself to the mission to “Make America Healthy Again.”

This message has struck a chord with numerous voters concerned about the contents of their food. On platforms like social media, parents and health-oriented figures are echoing Kennedy’s messages, some of which are legitimate while others are rooted in debunked conspiracy theories.

What has made the “Make America Healthy Again” (#MAHA) campaign so impactful? There’s a growing focus on health among Americans, alongside an overwhelming amount of medical advice circulating on social media — much of it lacking expert credentials.

Additionally, a rising skepticism towards government regulators, a revival of the anti-vaccine movement following COVID-19, and anxieties over increasing cancer cases in younger people contribute to this trend.

Kennedy is known for his critiques of vaccines and skepticism about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also propagated unfounded links between vaccines and autism in children, called for fluoride to be removed from drinking water, and addressed concerns regarding the potential dangers of artificial food colorings.

Trump has indicated that he would allow Kennedy to take the lead on health matters in his administration, although he hasn’t specified a role yet.

Some ‘crunchy moms’ are ready for Kennedy

The day after the election, some celebrated both Trump’s victory and Kennedy’s prospective role in shaping national health policies, despite his lack of formal qualifications in medicine or public health.

A trend has emerged on TikTok featuring Zach Top’s song “I Never Lie,” where mothers often share their joy alongside their children while singing along to the lyrics, “Things are going my way. I sleep like a baby.”

“How life feels knowing RFK is about to take the food & pharmaceutical agencies by storm,” one parent commented.

Another mom shared a video with the song “Walking On Sunshine” and wrote: “Crunchy moms knowing the era of constantly scrutinizing food labels for dyes, seed oils, and chemicals is coming to an end is ready to fight for our children’s health.”

“FDA, count your days. 👋🏼 #MAHA,” she added.

Many of these mothers have been outspoken both online and offline, collectively advocating against food dyes, among other issues. Some express feeling constrained by governmental bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when trying to make healthy dietary choices for their children.

Last month, actress Eva Mendes took to Instagram to demand the removal of artificial dyes from Kellogg’s cereals, which ignited widespread support from mothers nationwide.

“I grew up on cereal. I still love it, but I won’t eat @kelloggsus anymore after discovering that many of the ingredients they use in the US are BANNED in other countries. Why? Because they’re harmful for children,” Mendes posted on October 8.

The response was immediate: “YES Eva!!!! Thank you for advocating for safer products for our kids!” commented @barenaturals.

In the United States, Kellogg’s Froot Loops features artificial food colorings and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a synthetic preservative. Research regarding BHT’s carcinogenic properties shows mixed results based on different animals and testing conditions.

Conversely, in Canada, the company opts for natural sources like concentrated carrot juice, watermelon juice, huito juice, and blueberry juice to color Froot Loops.

As Kennedy started his campaign addressing these same concerns, many mothers felt understood for the first time.

But what about vaccines, diseases, fluoride?

Kennedy has accused major corporations, pharmaceutical companies, and federal entities of harming American health with dangerous chemicals and additives, pledging to combat the spread of disease.

Although he denies being against vaccines, claiming he wouldn’t “take away anybody’s vaccines,” he has repeatedly made misleading statements linking vaccines to autism and actively participates in Children’s Health Defense, a prominent anti-vaccine organization.

Kennedy asserts his aim is to make vaccine studies public and give individuals the autonomy to choose which vaccines suit them. However, easing vaccination requirements for schools or insurance could place individuals at risk and undermine herd immunity, thereby increasing disease outbreaks in communities.

Kennedy has also called for the removal of fluoride from drinking water. Fluoride has been added to U.S. water supplies since 1945 to combat tooth decay and is widely regarded as a common method for cavity prevention. Long-term exposure to high fluoride levels can negatively impact teeth and cognitive development, but health authorities maintain that there are no adverse effects at the fluoride levels recommended for drinking water.

Nevertheless, decisions regarding drinking water are often made at the local level, which could restrict Kennedy’s potential influence.

He has also promoted alternative health practices, such as endorsing raw milk, which has gained popularity among social media figures, including Hannah Neeleman (Ballerina Farm), who boasts a following of 10 million. However, consuming raw milk is linked to outbreaks of bacteria-induced illnesses, including a strain of E. coli that can lead to severe outcomes, including kidney failure. Additionally, raw milk has been shown to carry high levels of bird flu (H5N1) that has affected numerous dairy herds across the U.S. since March, potentially posing a risk to humans, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Americans don’t know who to trust — but ignoring experts poses risks

Kennedy’s anticipated appointment comes at a time when many people

There’s a growing sense of skepticism towards the government and increasing worries about health.

Recently, several young celebrities, including Jenna Fischer, Olivia Munn, Princess Kate, and James Van Der Beek, have revealed their battles with cancer. This trend corresponds with findings that indicate a rise in 17 distinct cancer types among Generation X and millennials.

Scientists are investigating the reasons behind this increase, and the public is anxious for clarity, struggling to determine which sources to trust.

Regardless of the administration, Dr. Robert Califf, the current commissioner of the FDA, stressed the importance of expert opinions.

During an event on Tuesday, Califf remarked that while experts can make mistakes, their insights should not be disregarded: “The absence of experts,” he cautioned, “has historically led to the decline of societies.”

He expressed hope that his successor will “hearken to diverse perspectives.”

“We need to remain patient and trust that dedicated and skilled individuals will remain in position,” Califf stated. “I also hope to gain support from the external regulatory community, which, considering the situation, is likely to be crucial.”