Caroline Kennedy, a prominent member of the renowned U.S. political dynasty, urged senators on Tuesday to reject her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to head the nation’s top health agency. She labeled him a “predator” and described his healthcare views as “dangerous.”
As the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy criticized RFK Jr. for promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric for personal gain. She also argued that he lacks the medical, financial, and governmental expertise necessary to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Republican President Donald Trump put forward his nomination in November.
I’ve known Bobby my whole life. We grew up together. It’s no surprise that he keeps birds of prey as pets, because Bobby himself is a predator,” she said. Caroline Kennedy’s father, former President John F. Kennedy, and RFK Jr.’s father, Robert F. Kennedy, were brothers.
The Washington Post was the first to report on the letter.
Caroline Kennedy’s Perspective
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Bobby has continued to misrepresent, deceive, and manipulate throughout his life,” Caroline Kennedy stated in a video posted on social media platform X, where she read her letter addressed to senators. Caroline Kennedy, a former U.S. ambassador to Australia and Japan who served under the Democratic Biden and Obama administrations, stated that American doctors, nurses, researchers, scientists, and caregivers “deserve a secretary committed to advancing cutting-edge medicine to save lives, not one who rejects the progress we have already made.” She added,
They deserve a stable, moral, and ethical leader at the helm of this crucial agency He has no relevant experience in government, finance, management, or medicine,” she said. “His views on vaccines are dangerous and deliberately misinformed.
I watched his younger brothers and cousins follow him into drug addiction,” she wrote. “His basement, garage, and dorm room became hubs for drug use, and he took pleasure in showing off how he put baby chickens and mice in a blender to feed his hawks. There was often a disturbing sense of despair and violence.
She condemned him for profiting from his “crusade against vaccinations” and cautioned that “he will maintain his financial interest in a lawsuit against the HPV vaccine.”
“In other words, he is willing to profit by restricting access to a vaccine that can prevent nearly all cases of cervical cancer—one that has been safely administered to millions of boys and girls,” she stated.
She also accused her cousin of exploiting her father’s image and misrepresenting his legacy to “further his own failed presidential campaign. RFK Jr. has stated that his goal is to combat chronic diseases, sever any connections between employees at the U.S. drug regulator and the pharmaceutical industry, and advise U.S. water systems to remove fluoride. According to a letter RFK Jr. wrote to an HHS ethics official, he has an agreement to earn 10% of the fees awarded in contingency cases he refers to the firm. The letter also clarified that, if confirmed, RFK Jr. would maintain this financial interest in cases that do not directly affect the U.S. government
Caroline Kennedy’s Video Sparks Controversy
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As of now, no Republicans have publicly stated they will vote against Kennedy’s nomination, though some have expressed lingering questions.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called attempts to undermine vaccines “dangerous.
A group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence has criticized some of Kennedy’s positions, while another organization is funding an ad campaign in eight Republican-led states, urging senators to oppose his confirmation.
What’s Next
A spokesperson for RFK Jr. did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday as part of his bid to become Trump’s health secretary. Additionally, a separate hearing for his nomination will take place the same day before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee—the very panel once chaired by his uncle, Ted Kennedy.
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