Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, has voiced her strong opposition to her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s bid to become President Donald Trump's health secretary. Describing him as a "predator" addicted to power, she called on the U.S. Senate to reject his nomination.
Her alarming letter, sent to senators on Tuesday and shared on social media, details not only her political concerns but also personal memories from their shared childhood. Caroline's letter, which was first reported by The Washington Post, marks one of the most direct public criticisms from within the Kennedy family against RFK Jr., whose controversial health views have drawn ire from several relatives.
"Our family has endured tragic losses, and I am certain my father and uncle would be disgusted by Robert's actions," Caroline stated, subtly invoking the legacy of their assassinated family members. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to appear before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss his nomination on Wednesday.
Caroline recalled disturbing scenes from their childhood, highlighting her cousin's past behavior around drug use. She described his living conditions, stating, "It was often a perverse scene of despair and violence," referencing both his drug issues and bizarre activities involving animals. Such claims bear heavy weight against RFK Jr., who has publicly confessed to his struggles with drugs, including the details of his prior heroin addiction.
Central to Caroline's disapproval is RFK Jr.'s controversial stance on vaccinations, particularly his opposition to mandatory vaccines. She accused him of "preying on the desperation of parents of sick children," arguing his anti-vaccine rhetoric is not only harmful but hypocritical, as he vaccinated his own children. During her appeal to the Senate, Caroline asserted, "He is willing to enrich himself by denying access to vaccines," a clear reference to his financial gains from lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies, particularly related to Gardasil, which prevents cervical cancer.
Caroline's heartfelt plea shines light on the struggles and failures of her cousin amid his high-profile candidacy. Families often show unfathomable divides on political and ethical stances, but the juxtaposition of her deep commitment to public service, bolstered by her own roles as ambassador to Japan and Australia, is stark against RFK Jr.'s controversial public persona.
The reception to Caroline's letter among Democrats could prove pivotal as the Senate begins to grapple with RFK Jr.'s nomination. Her condemnation of his views reflects broader concerns within the party about the consequences of endorsing individuals who embrace such controversial and potentially harmful ideologies. The Kennedy family legacy—one marked by tragedy, resilience, and public service—takes center stage as Caroline attempts to distance herself from her cousin's brand of politics.
Caroline encapsulates her deep concern for public health and safety, and the unprecedented nature of her opposition highlights the broader dialogue around the authority of familial allegiance versus moral responsibility. The upcoming hearings on Robert's nomination will not only test his political aspirations but will also shed light on the future dynamics of the Kennedy political legacy.
With Robert's appearance before the Senate set for Wednesday, all eyes will be on how lawmakers will respond to Caroline's critique. Her passionate defense of public health against her cousin indicates the deep fissures within the Kennedy family, reflecting larger societal debates about authority, health, and legacy.
Caroline Kennedy continues to stand as a prominent voice advocating for science and health policy, even as she confronts the familial ties binding her to RFK Jr. The stakes feel particularly pronounced within this historic family, known for both its remarkable contributions to American public service and the shadows of tragedy and turmoil it endures.