Bulwark Takes: So Much for Health! RFK's MAGA Steak ’n Shake Stunt
Released on March 14, 2025
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sam Stein and Will Sommer delve into a controversial incident involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) and the burger chain Steak and Shake. The discussion navigates through themes of political stunt capitalism, dietary myths, and the intersection of politics with public health messaging.
1. Introduction of Will Sommer
[00:00 - 00:30]
Sam Stein, the managing editor at The Bulwark, introduces Will Sommer, a new hire who is beginning his journey with the team. Will mentions that he has recently launched his own newsletter, aiming to contribute fresh perspectives to the platform.
Notable Quote:
Sam Stein [00:30]: “Welcome to Will Sommer, new hire. He's going to be helming his own newsletter, but to get him warmed up, he did the addition of morning shots today and will tell explain what you wrote about.”
2. Steak and Shake’s Pivot to MAGA and Seed Oil Controversy
[00:31 - 03:01]
Sam and Will discuss Steak and Shake's strategic shift towards a MAGA (Make America Great Again) alignment. A significant part of this pivot is the company's announcement to replace soybean and canola seed oils with beef tallow for frying their french fries. This move taps into a growing sentiment among certain right-wing and online fitness communities advocating against seed oils.
Will Sommer [01:36]: “There’s kind of this growing movement over the past few years among like online fitness types and in particularly on the right to ditch seed oils in your diet.”
Sam questions the scientific validity of RFK Jr.'s claims that seed oils contribute to obesity and chronic diseases, highlighting the lack of substantial evidence supporting these assertions.
3. RFK Jr.'s Appearance at Steak and Shake with Sean Hannity
[03:02 - 05:00]
The conversation shifts to RFK Jr.'s recent appearance at Steak and Shake alongside Sean Hannity. The duo was photographed enjoying burgers and fries, which RFK Jr. praised as "amazing."
Sam Stein [04:11]: “RFK went there with Sean Hannity, and they said, wow, these are amazing.”
However, critics from the MAGA and health skeptic communities are challenging the authenticity of Steak and Shake’s claims about eliminating seed oils. Reports suggest that the fries may still contain soybean and canola oils due to the complexities of supply chains and pre-packaged fry preparations.
4. Examining the Actual Oil Used in Fries
[05:01 - 06:21]
Will scrutinizes the claim that Steak and Shake fries are fried in beef tallow. He explains that most fast-food chains, including Steak and Shake, utilize pre-cut and pre-fried frozen fries that are likely cooked in soybean oil before freezing. Consequently, the final frying on-site using beef tallow may not eliminate all seed oils.
Will Sommer [05:15]: “Basically every fast food chain pre orders with the Exception of five guys and perhaps a few others.”
This revelation underscores a discrepancy between Steak and Shake's marketing and the actual product composition, casting doubt on the health claims being promoted.
5. Critique of the Stunt and Public Health Messaging
[06:22 - 09:05]
Sam and Will critique the stunt as a form of "stunt capitalism" where political figures use brand alignments to further their agendas without substantive public health benefits. They highlight the incongruity of a Health and Human Services secretary endorsing a fast-food chain during a measles outbreak, raising questions about the prioritization of image over effective public health action.
Sam Stein [07:51]: “But the evidence appears to be that basically every fast food chain pre orders with the Exception of five guys and perhaps a few others.”
Additionally, they discuss RFK Jr.'s conflicting actions and statements, where he criticizes vaccines while advocating for dietary changes, further muddying the waters of public health discourse.
6. Broader Context: Politicizing Health and Capitalism
[09:06 - 10:40]
The discussion broadens to address how health issues are being politicized, with companies like Steak and Shake aligning with right-wing movements to maintain economic relevance. They touch upon the company’s engagement with cryptocurrency memes and other political symbols as part of their marketing strategy.
Will Sommer [09:37]: “The comparison here is, you know, you would think the if we're going to make America healthy again, are we going to vaccinate children? No.”
Sam emphasizes the superficiality of using such stunts for political gain, likening it to the Tesla event on the White House South Lawn—more about creating viral moments than fostering genuine policy change.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Sam Stein and Will Sommer offer a critical lens on how political figures and corporations may engage in performative acts that prioritize image over substantive health initiatives. The case of RFK Jr.’s appearance at Steak and Shake serves as a focal point for examining the intersections of politics, health, and capitalism, highlighting the complexities and potential pitfalls of such alliances.
Notable Quote:
Sam Stein [09:37]: “A normal thing to do would go down to West Texas and get the vaccine. Right. Like that would. Like that would.”
This episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which health narratives can be co-opted for political and commercial purposes, urging listeners to critically evaluate the motivations and implications behind high-profile endorsements and marketing strategies.