RFK Jr. Walks Off Tampa Health Forum After Kratom Donation Probe

At a Make America Healthy Again gathering in Tampa, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. participated in a discussion with Florida Sen. Ashley Moody when one outlet correspondent raised the issue of kratom, a plant sold at gas stations and described by critics as “gas station heroin.” The journalist noted that the Justice Department had recently dismissed a case against Botanic Tonics, the maker of the kratom tonic Feel Free, and that the MAHA PAC, run by Kennedy ally Tony Lyons, had received a $1 million donation from the company’s owner, J.W.

Ross. When asked if the donation was linked to the DOJ’s action, Kennedy said he knew nothing about either matter and did not make decisions for the department. After a follow-up question suggesting Kennedy might be “in the pocket of Feel Free,” Sen. Moody stepped in, concluding the session and allowing both to exit. The Daily Beast has sought comment from the Health and Human Services Department.