A late-night fast food feast aboard Trump Force One brought together an unlikely group of political figures, including health advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
According to the Daily Mail, Donald Trump Jr. confirmed that RFK Jr., who has been vocal about his criticism of processed foods and Trump's eating habits, participated in a 3 AM McDonald's meal alongside President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Trump Jr. following a UFC event in New York.
The impromptu dining experience sparked widespread attention after Trump Jr. shared a photo on social media showing the four men seated with McDonald's meals. The image quickly became his most viral Instagram post, featuring RFK Jr. holding an opened burger box with fries and a Coca-Cola placed before him. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was also present on the flight, later confirmed Kennedy's participation in the fast-food feast.
The late-night meal occurred after the group attended the Ultimate Fighting Championship event in New York on Saturday night. The gathering included the four main diners and other prominent figures such as Tulsi Gabbard, Dana White, Kid Rock, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Donald Trump Jr. addressed the viral moment on Charlie Kirk's podcast on Monday, explaining that the group was simply having fun after pulling an all-nighter. He mentioned this was his father's third such late-night experience in two weeks, demonstrating the demanding schedule of the campaign trail.
The group playfully acknowledged the irony of the situation, with Trump Jr. recounting their jest about Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative starting on Monday. They justified the indulgence by declaring it a necessary cheat day, as with all good diets.
The McDonald's meal marked a striking contrast to Kennedy's previous statements about Trump's dietary choices. Just days before the viral photo, Kennedy had expressed strong criticism of Trump's eating habits during an appearance on the Joe Polish podcast.
Kennedy, who has been nominated as Trump's pick for health secretary, has consistently advocated for reducing the consumption of processed foods high in sugar, fat, and additives. He has been particularly vocal about the need to address America's obesity epidemic through dietary improvements.
During his podcast appearance, Kennedy had described the food served on Trump's airplane as "poison," specifically mentioning that choices were limited to either KFC or Big Macs. He had also shared an anecdote from a close friend of Trump's who claimed to have never seen the President-elect drink water.
The shared McDonald's meal comes at a significant time, following Trump's announcement that Kennedy was his choice for health secretary. The nomination aligns with their shared commitment to challenging what Trump described as "the industrial food complex and drug companies."
Kennedy's appointment will require Senate confirmation, with some senior Republicans expressing reservations about his suitability for the position. The viral photo and subsequent confirmation of his participation in the McDonald's meal have added another layer of complexity to the public's perception of his stance on processed foods.
The incident has sparked discussions about the balance between public health advocacy and personal dietary choices among political figures. It also highlights the informal moments that can occur during campaign seasons, even among individuals with seemingly opposing viewpoints on nutrition and health.
The unexpected gathering aboard Trump Force One brought together diverse political figures for a memorable late-night meal. Donald Trump Jr., RFK Jr., President-elect Trump, and Elon Musk shared McDonald's fare after attending the UFC event in New York, creating a viral moment that sparked widespread public interest. As Kennedy prepares for his potential role as health secretary, this McDonald's meal serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between public policy advocacy and personal choices.