Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

HHS Secretary Defends $4.91 Salmon Recipe Cost Claim

8/22/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his $19.64 salmon recipe after CNN reported a $70.54 cost.
  • CNN reporter Tom Foreman purchased the ingredients and recorded a total price of $70.54 at a grocery store.
  • Kennedy’s show listed wild Alaskan salmon at $8.99, while the cheapest comparable price was $24.04.
  • He said the program uses standard recipe costing, counting only the portion actually used.
  • Washington Post columnist Monica Hesse calculated a $73.46 total, about $18 per serving versus Kennedy’s $4.91 estimate.