Caroline Kennedy has publicly urged U.S. senators to reject her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services, characterizing him as a "predator" and warning against his potential influence over American health policy.
Her statements, released via social media two days before RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearing, raised serious concerns about his fitness for the role, which includes oversight of key health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
"I have known Bobby my whole life; we grew up together," said Caroline Kennedy. "It’s no surprise he keeps birds of prey as pets because he himself is a predator." This personal remark set the tone for her broader critique of RFK Jr., who has long been at the center of vaccine skepticism, claiming links between vaccinations and autism—a stance Caroline condemned as dangerous.
Despite RFK Jr.'s insistence during his campaign for the presidential nomination and subsequent endorsement of Donald Trump, stating he wants to restore America’s health agencies to "the traditions of gold-standard scientific research," Caroline Kennedy argued, "He lacks any relevant government, financial, management, or medical experience."
The stakes are high; if confirmed, RFK Jr. would lead the FDA and CDC, agencies employing around 18,000 individuals. Caroline is concerned about his influence on public health policies, particularly his views on vaccines. She emphasized, "His views on vaccines are dangerous and willfully misinformed," linking his past statements to potential public health repercussions.
Caroline Kennedy’s accusations against RFK Jr. do not stop at his professional qualifications but extend to personal conduct, including alleged hypocrisy concerning his children's vaccinations. She stated, "While he vaccinated his own children, he hypocritically discouraged other parents from vaccinating theirs." This reflects not only on his personal choices but also on his public influence over parents' decision-making.
Adding to her allegations, Caroline noted past behaviors of RFK Jr. related to substance abuse and animal cruelty. She accused him of undermining family ties through substance abuse encouragement, referring to his struggle with drug addiction. RFK Jr. has openly admitted to past heroin use and even pleaded guilty to bringing heroin onto a plane back in 1984.
Caroline's strong words included claims of historical animal cruelty, describing RFK Jr.'s childhood acts of blending live chicks and rodents for feeding his pet hawks. Such accusations have raised eyebrows and stirred public interest.
Reflecting on the family's legacy, Caroline poignantly concluded her letter by stating, "Both my father, President John F. Kennedy, and my uncle, Robert Kennedy, would be disgusted by Bobby’s actions." Such remarks tap deeply onto the core values associated with the Kennedy name, evoking historical sentiments against behaviors deemed unacceptable.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has yet to respond directly to Caroline Kennedy’s accusations, leaving many to wonder how these revelations will impact his nomination and potential confirmation. The Senate hearing will be pivotal as senators weigh Caroline's stern warnings against the nomination's potential for transformative public health leadership.
The controversy continues as Caroline takes to the public platform to express her views, shining light on the familial rift and the significant questions surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s qualifications for such a pivotal role during this health crisis period.