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RFK Jr. said he’s coming for your Dunkin’. New England responded in appropriate fashion.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s remarks on Dunkin' and Starbucks spark outrage and memes on social media.Globe Staff illustration with images from Dunkin Handout and Associated Press

Social media lit up with outrage, jokes, and memes after Health and Human Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks will have to prove the safety of their ingredients they use.

“We’re going to ask Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, ‘Show us the safety data that show that it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it,’” Kennedy said at a rally in Austin, Texas last week.

“I don’t think they’re gonna be able to do it,” he added.

The health secretary’s remarks, reported by the Globe Wednesday, drew backlash from fellow New Englanders, including Massachusetts lawmakers who responded on social media.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey posted on X an image resembling the 1835 “Come and Take It” flag from the start of the Texas Revolution. But instead of a cannon, the flag features the silhouette of a Dunkin’ cup.

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Massachusetts Representative Richard Neal reposted the news, writing on X: “Wicked bad idea.”

Some users invoked the American Revolution in their protest:

Memes featuring Ben Affleck and Dunkin’ quickly flooded social media:

See other memes and reactions:

rfk jr coming for dunkin might actually be worse than the boston tea party

— Andrew Palmer (@andrewp97.bsky.social) March 4, 2026 at 1:03 PM

RFK Jr. driving through Hyannis Port, with a barrage of Dunkin cups hitting his car

— Lisa Kadonaga (@tapirtrouble.bsky.social) March 4, 2026 at 3:46 PM

Alyssa Vega can be reached at [email protected].