Story perspectives

Duck Ringtone Disrupts New Dietary Guidelines Briefing

1/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

During a White House briefing on January 7, 2026, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was interrupted by a duck ringtone.
The new dietary guidelines prioritize protein, including more red meat and dairy, and discourage processed foods.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins quipped that "duck is high in protein."
Critics warn of potential conflicts of interest among those shaping the guidelines, especially regarding promotion of animal-based proteins.

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Story summary

During a White House briefing on January 7, 2026, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was interrupted by a duck ringtone.
The new dietary guidelines prioritize protein, including more red meat and dairy, and discourage processed foods.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins quipped that "duck is high in protein."
Critics warn of potential conflicts of interest among those shaping the guidelines, especially regarding promotion of animal-based proteins.