MAGA Influencers Accused of Accepting Payments to Oppose Soda Ban on Food Stamps

Allegations of Paid Opposition

A storm of controversy has erupted surrounding accusations that prominent MAGA influencers accepted payments to oppose a Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative to restrict soda purchases using food stamps.

The controversy ignited when Nick Sortor, posting on X (formerly Twitter), unveiled a thread alleging that several influencers received compensation for posts opposing the proposed restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Evidence and Accusations

Sortor shared screenshots appearing to show instructions given to influencers, reportedly obtained from inside sources. These instructions allegedly directed influencers to emphasize themes of government overreach and individual choice, even referencing President Trump's famous Diet Coke button.

The marketing agency at the center of these accusations, Influencable, specializes in "high-impact campaigns for public affairs initiatives," according to its LinkedIn profile. Sortor suggests Influencable may have collaborated with organizations such as Americans for Food and Beverage Choice and the American Beverage Association (ABA) on this campaign.

The ABA has vehemently denied these allegations on X, stating unequivocally: "The suggestion we paid for coordinated influencer posting on SNAP restrictions is false." The ABA further argued that "SNAP restrictions won’t make anyone healthier or save taxpayer dollars."

Conflicting Narratives and Backtracking

While the ABA insists soda isn't driving the obesity epidemic, citing declining soda sales alongside rising obesity rates, the CDC maintains that sugary drinks are significant contributors to added sugar intake, linking them to weight gain and other health risks.

Caught in the crossfire, some influencers have backpedaled. Eri Daugherty, one of the accused, admitted to not fully researching the issue before posting, calling his decision "dumb." Meanwhile, Ian Miles Cheong's stance against government intervention in food choices appears to contradict his previous skepticism of Coca-Cola's alleged role in promoting sugar addiction through SNAP subsidies.

Expanding the Scope of the Allegations

Sortor's investigation goes beyond the soda ban, alleging Influencable's involvement in other questionable campaigns. He presented screenshots that appear to show a similar effort targeting the 2023 film "Sound of Freedom."

Adding another layer to the controversy, Riley Gaines, a prominent pro-Trump advocate, claimed she rebuffed Influencable's offer to pay her for a post on the issue.

The Political Battlefield

This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which targets the U.S. obesity epidemic. Kennedy has previously called for reform of the SNAP program, arguing that taxpayers shouldn't subsidize unhealthy food choices. Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie echoed this sentiment, emphasizing taxpayers' lack of choice in how their money is spent by the federal government.

The Investigation Continues

Sortor promises a second installment to his investigation, focusing further on Influencable's activities. As the story continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the influence of paid campaigns on public discourse and the role of influencers in shaping political narratives.