Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has ignited a dispute with Dunkin’ Donuts, questioning the safety of its iced coffee and prompting a swift defense from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. Kennedy Jr. Publicly called on the coffee and baked goods chain to provide evidence demonstrating the safety of its iced coffee, specifically citing concerns about sugar content and potential health risks.
Governor Healey responded with a defiant message, echoing a historical sentiment of resistance. “Come and take it,” Healey posted on social media, referencing the famous phrase associated with the Texas Revolution. The governor’s statement was widely interpreted as a present of support for Dunkin’, a Fresh England institution and a rebuke of Kennedy Jr.’s challenge.
Kennedy Jr.’s concerns center on the high sugar levels in Dunkin’s beverages. He has not specified the exact health risks he believes the iced coffee poses, but his challenge has drawn attention to the broader debate surrounding sugar consumption and its impact on public health. The Boston Globe reported that Kennedy Jr. Is seeking specific data from Dunkin’ regarding the ingredients and potential health effects of its iced coffee.
The exchange has resonated strongly in Massachusetts, where Dunkin’ holds a particularly prominent cultural and economic position. The New York Post described the situation as a “New American revolution brewing in Boston,” highlighting the passionate defense of the brand by local residents. Social media platforms have become a battleground, with Dunkin’ loyalists expressing outrage at Kennedy Jr.’s questioning of the beverage’s safety.
RFK Jr.’s challenge comes as he continues to build his independent presidential campaign. His focus on health and safety issues is a recurring theme in his platform. USA Today noted that the governor’s defense of Dunkin’ underscores the brand’s importance to the region and its identity.
As of Thursday, March 5, 2026, Dunkin’ has not publicly responded to Kennedy Jr.’s request for safety data. Governor Healey’s office has not issued any further statements beyond the initial “come and take it” response. It remains to be seen whether Dunkin’ will address Kennedy Jr.’s concerns or if the dispute will escalate further.
