FACT CHECK: X Post About Banning GMOs In The US Does Not Stem From RFK Jr.’s Verified Handle
A screenshot shared on Instagram purports to show a tweet from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stating that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) will be banned in the U.S. beginning on January 20, 2025.
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Verdict: False
The claim is false and originally stems from @RFKJrHealthSec, an X account that has been suspended.
Fact Check:
Kennedy, Jr. said there’s been a “huge push to sell [semaglutide medication Ozempic] to the American people” during an October 2024 appearance on Fox News, according to the outlet. Kennedy Jr.’s comments preceded a recent X post from Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) nominee and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who admitted to taking the brand-name version of the drug, Fox News indicated.
The screenshot shared via the Instagram video purports to show a tweet from Kennedy, Jr. stating GMOs will be banned in the U.S. beginning on Jan. 20, 2025.
“BREAKING: Effective January 20th, all Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) will be BANNED in the United States. Make America Healthy Again. #MAHA,” the purported tweet, which bears the handle @RFKJrHealthSec, reads.
The purported tweet shared via the Instagram video has amassed over 26,000 likes as of writing.
The claim is false. Kennedy, Jr.’s verified X handle is @RobertKennedyJr, not @RFKJrHealthSec. Check Your Fact found no reference to the claim using an advanced search of Kennedy Jr.’s verified account. Likewise, @RFKJrHealthSec, the X account that originally shared the purported tweet, has been suspended as of writing.
In addition, Check Your Fact did not find any credible news reports to support the claim. Actually, the opposite is true. On Dec. 30, PolitiFact debunked the claim, tracing it back to the same suspended X account. According to the outlet, the account had labeled itself as posting parody content prior to its suspension. (RELATED: Post Claims To Show Tim Walz With Racist Statue In Kitchen)
Although the claim is false, Kennedy, Jr. has previously discussed GMOs on his podcast and has also advocated against “increasing GMO foods” in the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kennedy, Jr. to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after winning the November 2024 election.
Check Your Fact has contacted a Trump spokesperson for comment.
