Caroline Kennedy, who is related to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has severely criticized her cousin ahead of his confirmation hearing for the position of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. In a pointed letter released on Tuesday, Caroline Kennedy implored senators to reject RFK Jr's nomination, characterizing him as a "predator." She elaborated that her cousin's views on vaccinations disqualify him from such a significant public health role. Preparing for a challenging confirmation session, RFK Jr's history of vaccine skepticism—which includes unfounded claims linking vaccines to autism—has raised alarms among public health advocates.
Kennedy, reminiscing about their childhood together, wrote, "It's no surprise he keeps birds of prey as pets because he himself is a predator." She expressed profound concern about RFK Jr's potential influence in the Trump administration, especially as he could oversee integral health organizations like the CDC and FDA. The former ambassador insisted that RFK Jr lacks the necessary expertise, stating, "He lacks any relevant government, financial, management, or medical experience."
As RFK Jr prepared for questioning, he previously sought to clarify his stance on vaccines, claiming that his objective is to advocate for improved safety and scientific research surrounding vaccines, rather than abolishing them. Nevertheless, in the letter, Caroline Kennedy accused him of exploiting vulnerable parents of sick children while misleading them about vaccination risks, noting his own children were vaccinated—a claim she condemned as hypocritical.
Kennedy further alleged that RFK Jr had a troubled history, alluding to his past struggles with substance abuse and alleging animal cruelty in his youth, claiming he engaged in harmful acts towards animals. She asserted that the actions of RFK Jr would horrify her father, John F. Kennedy, and her uncle, Robert Kennedy. Beyond the personal attacks, Caroline's letter sets a critical tone for the upcoming confirmation hearing, a pivotal moment that may impact public health in America.
