Robert F. Kennedy Jr.a 2024 presidential candidate who told supporters that Donald Trump “promised” to put him in charge of public health agencies, promised that “Make America Healthy Again.”

That message resonated with a large portion of voters who are concerned what goes into their food. On social media, health-conscious moms and influencers are repeating and posting Kennedy’s talking points, both those that may have merit and those that amount to conspiracy theories debunked.

So why did the slogan “Make America Healthy Again” (#MAHA) work so well? Americans are more health-focused than ever, and there’s plenty of medical advice being offered on social media — though most of it doesn’t come from credentialed experts.

Some voters are, too less trust in government regulatorsthe anti-vaccine movement has regained momentum after COVID, and people are afraid of increase in cancer among young people.

Kennedy has a reputation for criticizing vaccines and questioning the origin of the COVID-19 virus. It also spread unsubstantiated claims about a link between childhood vaccines and autismhe proposed removal of fluoride from drinking waterand talked about the potentially harmful effects of food dyes.

Trump has said he will let Kennedy “unleash” his health in his administration, but has yet to say what role he will be appointed to.

Some “crispy moms” are in store for Kennedy

The day after the election, some celebrated Trump’s victory and Kennedy’s potential role as a national public health policymaker, despite his lack of a medical or public health degree.

A trend has erupted on TikTok for Zach Top’s country song “I Never Lie,” where mothers — often films with them BOYS — share their joy over the lyrics, “Things go my way. I sleep like a baby.”

“How does life feel knowing RFK is about to storm the FDA,” one user he wrote.

Another mother Itemted to the song “Walking On Sunshine” with the caption: “Crunchy moms who know the era of constantly checking food labels for dyes, seed oils and chemicals is coming to an end are ready to advocate for our children’s health.”

“FDA, count your days. #MAHA,” she added.

Many of these mothers have spoken out at length online and in person, uniting to support, for example, food dyes. Some say they feel stymied by government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when it comes to making healthy eating decisions for their children.

Last month, actress Eva Mendes took to Instagram TO call for the removal of artificial food coloring from Kellogg’s cereal and has sparked a firestorm, with mothers across the country cheering her on.

“I grew up with cereal. I still like them, but I won’t eat them @kelloggsus especially after learning that so many of the ingredients I use here in the US are BANNED in other countries. Why? Because they’re bad for kids,” Mendes posted on Instagram on Oct. 8.

The reactions were quick: “YES Eva!!!! Thank you for speaking up and advocating for safer products for our children!” wrote @barenaturals.

In the United States, Kellogg’s Froot Loops use food coloring and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which is a laboratory chemical added to food as a preservative. Research on BHT as a carcinogen has mixed results depending on the animal and parameters tested.

Meanwhile, in Canada, the company uses carrot juice concentrate, watermelon juice, huito juice and cranberry juice. juice to color the Froot Loops.

So when Kennedy began campaigning on the same concerns, some mothers finally felt seen.

But what about vaccines, diseases, fluoride?

Kennedy accused big business, pharmaceutical companies and federal agencies of draining Americans’ health with toxic chemicals and additives and promised to reduce the spread of disease.

Kennedy has rejected the notion that he is “anti-vaccine” and would not “remove vaccines from anyone”, despite his repeated and misleading claims that vaccines are linked to autism and his involvement with Children’s Health Defense, a leading anti-vaccine group .

He said he wants to make sure studies are made public and that individuals can choose which vaccines will work for them. Problem? Herd immunitywhich primarily protects babies, young children and immunocompromised people who cannot receive certain vaccines from diseases such as measles, can only be achieved when most members of the community are vaccinated. Reducing school-required vaccines or insurance coverage could not only put individuals at risk, but also reduce herd immunity and increase disease outbreaks in schools and communities.

Kennedy also pushed for the removal of fluoride from drinking water supplies. The chemical has been added to US water since 1945 to help prevent tooth decay and is one of the most common ways to prevent tooth decay. Prolonged exposure to high levels of fluoride can affect teeth and cognitive development, but health agencies say there are no side effects at the level recommended for drinking water.

However, drinking water is also regulated locally, which could limit Kennedy’s influence.

He also advocated for holistic health practices, even promoting them drink raw milkthat social media influencers have promotedinclusive Hannah Neeleman (Farm of ballerinas), a trad wife content creator which boasts 10 million followers.

The consumption of raw milk has long been associated with disease outbreaks from bacteriaincluding a strain of E. coli which can cause renal failure and death. Raw milk also contains high levels of bird flu (H5N1), which has spread to nearby 505 herds of dairy cows in 15 states since March and can infect humans, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Americans don’t know who to trust, but ignoring the experts carries risks

Kennedy’s predictable appointment comes at a time when many people have increased distrust of government and fears about their health.

Young celebrity after celebrity recently announced that they have (or had) cancer: Jenna Fischer, Olivia Munn, Princess Kate, James Van Der Beek. This is in line with the data showing 17 different types of cancer are on the rise for Gen X and millennials.

Researchers are trying to figure out exactly why, and Americans are desperate for answers and don’t know who to trust.

But regardless of who is responsible, Dr. Robert Califf, the current FDA commissioner, emphasized that experts must play a vital role.

Calif he said at an event on Tuesday that while experts are not always right, they should not be generally ignored: “Without experts,” warned Califf, “I think historically in every society, it’s been a reason for the demise of that society.”

He hopes his successor will “listen to people with different points of view”.

“We have to wait and see and trust that the hard-working, high-quality people will still be in place,” Califf said. “And we will have support, I hope, from the external regulated community, which, given the dynamics, is likely to be the most important factor.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RFK Jr.’s Vaccine, Food Dye, Fluoride Attitude Makes ‘Crunchy Moms’ Happy