- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. targets high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a major contributor to obesity and chronic diseases, calling it a "poison."
- His campaign risks alienating Trump’s rural base, where corn farming and HFCS production are vital to the economy.
- HFCS consumption has declined 21% in a decade, but it remains a key revenue source for industrial producers.
- Michael Bloomberg and Bernie Sanders support stricter regulations on sugary drinks and processed foods.
- Corn farmers could pivot to alternative uses for corn, such as ethanol or exports, amid shifting consumer preferences toward healthier options.
In a bold move that pits public health against agricultural interests, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, has declared war on high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), calling it a “poison” fueling America’s obesity epidemic. Kennedy’s campaign to reduce HFCS consumption could reshape the nation’s diet but also risks alienating Trump’s base in the Corn Belt, where corn farmers and processors rely heavily on the sweetener for their livelihoods. As Kennedy prepares to take office, his fight against HFCS highlights the growing tension between health advocates and the powerful agricultural lobby.
High-fructose corn syrup, a cheap and widely used sweetener found in sodas, candies, and processed foods, has been linked to a host of health problems. Studies show that HFCS contributes more to weight gain than regular sugar because it bypasses normal appetite controls, leading to overeating and obesity. It has also been associated with insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
“High-fructose corn syrup is just a formula for making you obese and diabetic,” Kennedy has said, vowing to eliminate processed foods from school lunches and restrict food stamp purchases of sugary drinks.
The decline in HFCS consumption over the past decade—down 21%—reflects growing public awareness of its dangers. However, it remains a key revenue source for industrial producers like Archer Daniels Midland, which operates the world’s largest corn syrup processing plant in Decatur, Illinois. For many in the Corn Belt, Kennedy’s crusade feels like an attack on their way of life.
A clash with Trump’s base
Kennedy’s stance puts him at odds with many of Trump’s supporters in rural America, where corn farming is a cornerstone of the economy. Corn is the nation’s largest crop, and while HFCS accounts for only about 4% of its use, any decline in demand could depress prices and hurt farmers already struggling with falling incomes.
Senator Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, has pledged to “educate” Kennedy on agriculture, while Representative Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat from Illinois, warns that an attack on corn syrup could worsen economic challenges in the region.
Yet Kennedy’s allies argue that the health risks of HFCS outweigh its economic benefits. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Bernie Sanders have both waged battles against sugary drinks and processed foods, echoing Kennedy’s call for stricter regulations.
“For decades, Congress and the FDA have allowed large corporations to make huge profits by enticing children and adults to consume ultra-processed food and beverages loaded up with sugar, salt, and saturated fat,” Sanders said during a recent hearing.
A path forward for corn farmers
While Kennedy’s campaign against HFCS may ruffle feathers in the Corn Belt, there are alternatives for corn farmers. Corn is used for ethanol, animal feed, and exports, all of which have seen increased demand in recent years. Moreover, as consumer preferences shift toward healthier options, farmers could benefit from diversifying their crops or exploring sustainable practices.
Kennedy’s vision for a healthier America may face resistance, but it aligns with a broader trend: the decline of HFCS as more Americans seek out natural sweeteners and whole foods. With obesity rates soaring and chronic diseases on the rise, Kennedy’s fight against HFCS may be a necessary step toward improving the nation’s health.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s battle against high-fructose corn syrup is more than a policy debate—it’s a clash between public health and economic interests. While his efforts may disrupt the Corn Belt, they also offer an opportunity to rethink America’s food system and prioritize long-term health over short-term profits. As Kennedy prepares to take the helm at Health and Human Services, his campaign against HFCS could mark a turning point in the fight against obesity and chronic disease.
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