On May 27, 2026, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended a Cabinet meeting at the White House. Meanwhile, his recent venture into a new domain—cooking television—has attracted significant attention.
For decades, Lorne Michaels, the creator of “Saturday Night Live,” has dominated comedic television. His show has been known for its weekly satirical takes on current events. Yet, the Trump administration has inadvertently provided content that challenges even Michaels’ comedic prowess. Notable incidents include the Oval Office’s gold decor, the initiation of an unending war, and the transformation of a reflecting pool into an algae-ridden mess.
Recently, Kennedy, with White House approval, launched his own cooking show titled ‘The Real Food Show’ on HBO. In the opening episode, he partnered with chef Andrew Gruel in Huntington Beach, California, to promote seafood over beef. Together, they prepared salmon cakes, claiming the cost was under $5 per serving with canned salmon.
However, the show faced criticism for Kennedy’s lack of culinary skills. During the episode, he merely observed Gruel’s actions, occasionally stirring ingredients when directed. Kennedy failed to contribute knowledge about the cooking process or ingredient choices. Additionally, his speech was criticized for being unclear, especially regarding his comments on altering the food pyramid and enlarging cattle herds without explanation.
Viewing Kennedy’s involvement in this show raises questions about his priorities as HHS Secretary. Currently, the nation is dealing with public health emergencies, including measles outbreaks, egg recalls due to salmonella, multi-state Cyclospora infections, and rising COVID-19 cases in 41 states. Critics argue his focus should remain on addressing these critical issues rather than producing a cooking show.
Moreover, Kennedy’s past actions further fuel skepticism about his suitability as a culinary guide. Anecdotes of retrieving and contemplating eating roadkill, and other peculiar incidents are mentioned. These stories undermine his credibility in offering dietary advice.
It remains uncertain how many episodes Kennedy plans to produce. The general consensus among critics is that he should cease this endeavor. Viewers already have access to professional chefs on channels like the Food Network. Figures like Ina Garten provide expert guidance, contrasting sharply with Kennedy’s controversial past food choices.
Bill Press, known for hosting ‘The Bill Press Pod,’ has expressed disapproval of Kennedy’s culinary pursuits, emphasizing the importance of focusing on more pressing matters.