Fact Check: "Kennedy says low-income children will just have to deal with cavities."
What We Know
The claim that "Kennedy says low-income children will just have to deal with cavities" appears to stem from comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the effects of fluoride removal from drinking water. In a recent interview, Kennedy acknowledged that children would "probably" experience an increase in cavities if fluoride were removed from water supplies, which has been a significant part of his anti-fluoride stance (source-2). However, the specific phrasing of the claim—that he stated low-income children will "just have to deal with" cavities—is not directly supported by the available evidence.
Analysis
The source of the claim is a politically charged context where Kennedy has been vocal about his opposition to fluoride, suggesting that its removal could lead to negative health outcomes for children. While he did say that cavities would likely increase, the interpretation that he is dismissively suggesting low-income children must simply "deal with" this issue is an extrapolation rather than a direct quote or statement (source-2).
This interpretation could be seen as a misrepresentation of his actual words, which do not explicitly target low-income children or suggest that they should accept this health risk without concern. The framing of the statement may reflect a bias against Kennedy's views, particularly among those who support fluoride in public water systems.
The reliability of the source reporting on Kennedy's comments is moderate, as it comes from a mainstream news outlet that covers political issues. However, the interpretation of his statements can vary widely depending on the outlet's editorial stance.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that "Kennedy says low-income children will just have to deal with cavities" misrepresents his actual comments regarding fluoride and cavities. While he did acknowledge an increased risk of cavities if fluoride is removed, he did not specifically target low-income children or suggest that they must simply accept this outcome. The claim is an oversimplification and mischaracterization of his statements.
Sources
- Mint Velvet | Women's Clothing & Accessories
- RFK Jr. Admits Kids Will ‘Probably’ Get More Cavities as a Result of Anti-Fluoride Crusade
- Women's Clothing | Ladies Designer Clothing - Mint Velvet
- Mint Velvet UK | Women & Men Clothing,Shoes Online Outlet
- Mint Velvet | Women's Clothing & Footwear | Next UK
- Mint Velvet Discount Code: 15% OFF in June 2025 - The Telegraph
- Women | mint velvet - Very
- Mint Velvet Designer Clothing - Brown Thomas