U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ignited a firestorm of criticism and mockery after suggesting that Americans facing high grocery costs should consider purchasing liver and other inexpensive meat cuts as affordable alternatives. The comment, made during a recent event for the advocacy group MAHA Action, was swiftly condemned across social media and political circles as being out of touch with the economic realities of ordinary citizens.
The “Just Eat Liver” Remark and Immediate Backlash
Speaking at an event tied to the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, Kennedy addressed concerns about food affordability. “Most of the cheap cuts of meat are very inexpensive,” he stated. “If you buy a Porterhouse steak or a strip steak, it is gonna set you back. You can buy liver or the cheaper cuts of steak that are very, very affordable.” The remark was intended to offer practical advice but was instead perceived by many as a dismissive solution to a complex economic problem.
The reaction was swift and merciless. On platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and across TikTok, users dissected the suggestion with a mixture of disbelief and anger. One viral comment captured the prevailing sentiment: “The liver is literally a filter. I’m not eating the filter of anything.” This biological fact became a central point of contention, with many questioning the health wisdom of promoting organ meat consumption from a top health official.
Political Figures and Comedians Seize on the Comment
The political dimension of the remark was not lost on Kennedy’s opponents. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer posted a pointed question directed at former President Donald Trump’s official X account: “Is liver on the menu tonight at the Mar-a-Lago dining room? Or is that just for the rest of America?” The comment framed Kennedy’s suggestion as an elitist prescription for the working class, contrasting it with the presumed dining habits of the wealthy.
Comedic Commentary and Historical Parallels
Comedians quickly entered the fray, using the moment to lampoon Kennedy’s public persona. Comedian Jay Black wrote, “For the masses: liver and cheap cuts. For the rich: steak and zero consequences. For RFK Jr.: bear carcass and toilet seat cocaine. It’s not a fair world.” This reference to Kennedy’s past admissions—including dumping a dead bear in Central Park and using cocaine—added a layer of personal history to the criticism, suggesting a disconnect between his lifestyle and his advice.
Perhaps the most damning comparison drawn online was to the infamous phrase “Let them eat cake,” often misattributed to Marie Antoinette. Users repurposed it as “Let them eat liver,
