In recent weeks, a sensational story has taken the internet by storm, claiming that Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has issued a public ultimatum to former President Barack Obama. The claim suggests that Kennedy is demanding the return of $120 million in “royalties” or “ownership earnings” allegedly derived from the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. According to the viral posts, the former president was given a mere three days to respond before the matter would be referred to the Department of Justice.

However, a closer look at the facts reveals that this dramatic confrontation never actually took place.

The Source of the Satire

The origin of this story can be traced back to websites known for publishing political satire and fabricated news, such as America’s Last Line of Defense. These sites explicitly state in their disclaimers that their content is fictional. Over time, these satirical articles are often copied, stripped of their satirical labels, and shared as real news on social media platforms.

Why the Claim is Factually Incorrect

There are several key reasons why this claim lacks any basis in reality:

• No Record of the Demand: There is no official record, press release, or transcript from Senator John Kennedy’s office—nor any reputable news outlet—confirming such a demand or quote.

• The “Royalty” Myth: Former U.S. Presidents do not receive royalties or ownership shares in the legislation they sign into law. Their compensation after leaving office is limited to a pension and specific allowances for travel, office space, and staff, all of which are publicly disclosed.

• Obamacare Ownership: The Affordable Care Act is a federal law, not a private entity with “owners.” No individual, including the president who signed it, can “own” or earn dividends from its implementation.

The Real Focus of Senator Kennedy

While Senator Kennedy is a frequent and vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act and often uses colorful language to describe government spending, his actual legislative work involves oversight of Medicaid fraud and general healthcare reform. In 2025 and early 2026, his focus has been on “double-dipping” in federal programs and investigating systemic waste, rather than personal accusations against his predecessors.

In an era of rapid information sharing, stories involving high-profile figures and massive sums of money are designed to trigger strong emotions. Verifying these claims through official government records or non-partisan fact-checkers remains the best way to separate political theater from political reality.