Caroline Kennedy, the former U.S. ambassador to Australia and daughter of President John F. Kennedy, has publicly opposed her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Donald Trump, labeling him a "predator" unfit for the role.
Her stark condemnation came in a letter sent to the U.S. Senate, calling for lawmakers to reject his appointment. This letter was initially reported by The Washington Post and highlighted her serious concerns about his controversial stances on public health and vaccinations.
"Bobby lacks any relevant government, financial, management, or medical experience," Caroline Kennedy wrote. "His views on vaccines are dangerous and willfully misinformed." She suggested he would wreak havoc on the nation's health policy if confirmed as HHS secretary.
Caroline’s scathing remarks stem from years of shared family history, during which she claimed Robert engaged in drug use and other troubling behaviors. "We grew up together. It’s no surprise he keeps birds of prey as pets because Bobby himself is a predator," she stated, outlining her cousin’s problematic past. The letter referenced his supposed involvement with drugs, describing how his basement became infamous as a center for substance abuse—a narrative she emphasized as particularly alarming.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is known for his promotion of disproven vaccine theories, including the false claim linking vaccines to autism. His anti-vaccine activism has fueled skepticism around immunization, and Caroline noted his hypocritical nature, stating, "While he vaccinates his own children, he discourages other parents from doing the same." This line of attack underlined her argument against his eligibility as the chief of public health.
Caroline also detailed how her cousin profited off litigation against Merck, the pharmaceutical company behind the HPV vaccine Gardasil, highlighting the lucrative income he derived from lawsuits against vaccines. "He is willing to enrich himself by denying access to a vaccine... which has been safely administered to millions."
While the Senate Finance Committee is set to have hearings for RFK Jr., Caroline Kennedy’s public criticism presents challenges for his nomination, as described by David Axelrod, former advisor to President Barack Obama. Axelrod noted it’s significant for Caroline Kennedy, usually private about family matters, to speak out so vehemently.
Supporters of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., meanwhile, have attempted to sway opinions among Senate Republicans. Currently, there’s growing pressure among some GOP senators to distance themselves from him due to reported stances against vaccines and other public health policies.
Significantly, the Kennedy family has not unified on Robert's presidential candidacy, with several members expressing their support for President Joe Biden during the election. Their public snubbing continued, as Caroline’s letter shows deep-seated family divisions and highlights troubling past behaviors associated with Robert.
The nomination process is set against a backdrop of skepticism. Senators have voiced concerns following his past comments on vaccine safety; some have outright questioned whether they can support his appointment. Caroline’s intervention may reinforce opposition, especially among Democratic representatives wary of Kennedy’s controversial history.
Beyond the turbulence within the Kennedy clan, the nomination hearings mark another chapter of the stark polarization present within U.S. politics today. While some Republican senators have yet to hash out their stance on RFK Jr.’s nomination, Caroline’s letter is likely to galvanize more scrutiny over his fitness for one of the most important health positions in government.
Republicans are wrestling with whether to counter the opposition mounting from the Kenney family and public health advocates against RFK Jr. The potential fallout from pushing him through could have long-lasting repercussions, not just for the Senate, but for the overarching public health agenda.
Caroline's announcement marks her rare foray where personal matters intertwine with political endeavors, signifying deep-rooted family dynamics and the fight over the legacy of her family's name against the backdrop of contemporary health crises. Her call to action against her cousin shines not only as criticism but as urgent advocacy for public health integrity amid rising contagion of vaccine skepticism.
RFK Jr. is expected to face the Senate’s Finance Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, where he will have to address these serious concerns head-on. The outcome of his nomination hearings could pivot significantly based on Caroline Kennedy’s assertions and the broader response within the Senate.
This situation offers not merely family drama but also encapsulates urgent concerns about public policy and health, making it one of the closely monitored nomination processes of the current administration's cabinet elections.
With the voice of Caroline Kennedy echoing through this turbulent nomination, the pressure is mounting on RFK Jr. as he prepares for what may be the most significant battles of his career—inside the halls of the Senate, under the unforgiving spotlight of political scrutiny.