Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), a self-described libertarian, has agreed with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ban sugary sodas within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly referred to as food stamps).
In other words, Rep. Massie believes that American taxpayer dollars should not fund unhealthy lifestyle choices for others.
People should not be allowed to use food stamps (EBT) to purchase sugary drinks like Coke and Pepsi.
Libertarian arguments about choice do not apply here. The money being used for EBT was extracted from taxpayers who have no choice in whether to give up their money.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 24, 2025
"People should not be allowed to use food stamps (EBT) to purchase sugary drinks like Coke and Pepsi," said Rep. Massie. "Libertarian arguments about choice do not apply here. The money being used for EBT was extracted from taxpayers who have no choice in whether to give up their money."
This argument has been growing in popularity despite polling from Public Opinion Strategies demonstrating that a majority of Americans, including Trump voters, believe sugary sodas should be included in the food stamp program.
RFK Jr. has argued that "It's nonsensical for U.S. taxpayers to spend tens of billions of dollars subsidizing junk that harms the health of low-income Americans." Secretary Rubio has stated that cutting sweets from food stamps would be more conscious of taxpayers in the short term, but it would also “in the long run, reduce medical expenses.”
With Rep. Massie joining Secretaries RFK Jr. and Rubio, it adds an ideological shift that gives other libertarians the green light to support the banning of sodas in SNAP.
However, despite a majority of Americans voting for President Donald Trump (R) and his cabinet, it appears the citizens of the United States do not want "Big Brother" deciding how to spend their tax dollars.
An argument can be made for the idea that the taxpayers are funding unhealthy habits and stress on the healthcare system, as RFK Jr. and Rubio have pointed out.
But, not a single majority of any demographic from the polling suggests that Americans have a problem with their tax dollars going toward the less fortunate to buy sugary sodas. The overall polling showed nearly 2 to 1 support for this notion.
Therefore, if you're in the Massie, RFK Jr., and Rubio camp that believes there is a definitive right and wrong way to approach this, you'll have to decide whether it is worth it to go against the public's stance on the issue.
