‘I am very proud of Utah’: RFK Jr. commends state officials on fluoridation ban

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — During a surprise visit to Utah, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised state officials for taking steps to ban water fluoridation in its water supply.

In a press conference with state officials, Kennedy told lawmakers that they are leading the nation in “making America healthy again” with the recent passage of the fluoridation ban, and other measures.

“I am very proud of Utah, it has emerged as the leader in making America healthy again,” Kennedy told reporters. “If we want to be a moral nation, if we want to maintain our moral authority around the world, our chief obligation is to our children, and we are letting them down. I am very happy that Utah is taking the lead in so many ways.”

The visit comes after the Utah Legislature passed three bills during the 2025 General Session:

• H.B. 81 — or Fluoride Amendments — which bans fluoridation in public water systems.
• H.B. 402 — or Food Additives in Schools — which bans additives in school lunches.
• H.B. 403 — or SNAP Funds Amendments — which prohibits food stamp and other food assistances funds four buying soda.

“While other states are just talking about the solutions, Utah is actually implementing and creating the solutions,” House Speaker Mike Schultz said during the press conference. “We are not afraid to lead on these issues.”

During the visit, reporters also had a chance to hear from the EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, who made an announcement that the EPA will be making fluoride “top of the list” in the agency’s agenda.

“EPA is here today to make an announcement that wouldn’t be happening if not for Secretary Kennedy,” Zeldin began. “What EPA is going to do is go back and look at these studies … and we’re prepared to act on this science.”

Kennedy has also indicated that he will ask the CDC to stop recommending that fluoride be added in public drinking water.

Prior to the press conference, Kennedy and other officials took a tour of the public health center at the University of Utah. Several protesters gathered at the event, and multiple organizations issued statements regarding Kennedy’s visit to the state.

“We welcome public discourse on health policy,” said Dr. Rodney Thornell, President of the Utah Dental Association. “But it’s important that these discussions are rooted in sound science and public health evidence. Fluoridation is one of the most studied and beneficial public health interventions of the last century.”

The Utah Oral Health Coalition voiced their concerns, saying, “Fluoride is especially critical for young children who lack regular access to dental services. Our coalitions of dentists, dieticians, medical doctors, researchers, and academics in Utah are available to all media to provide accurate information on fluoride. We call on Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Utah leadership to support science-based, community decision-making in public health policies.”