RFK Jr, a known anti-vaccine activist and former independent presidential candidate, has been selected to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in Donald Trump’s administration.
A presidential bid that didn’t last long
Kennedy previously launched an independent presidential bid with Nicole Shanahan as his running mate, aiming to challenge both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. However, in August, he suspended his campaign and endorsed Trump, who is now the president-elect.
At 70 years old, Kennedy has drawn attention for his controversial stances and personal conduct, including spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, admitting to a bizarre incident involving a bear cub in Central Park, and facing allegations of an online relationship with a journalist despite being married.
Vocal opponent of COVID-19 vaccines
RFK Jr has long been a critic of vaccines, with his organization, Children’s Health Defense, promoting unfounded claims that vaccines cause autism. His book, The Real Anthony Fauci, further accused Fauci of conspiring with Bill Gates to exaggerate the COVID-19 pandemic’s severity. Kennedy has been a vocal opponent of COVID-19 vaccines, spreading misinformation about their safety and efficacy, which led to his Instagram account being deactivated by Meta in 2021.
When RFK Jr encountered a bear cub
In August, Kennedy revealed a peculiar story about leaving a dead bear cub in Central Park. He explained in a social media clip that in 2014, he had found the bear cub, killed by a car, while traveling to upstate New York for falconry. Claiming legal rights to retrieve the animal, he initially planned to use its meat but later abandoned it in the park. He admitted to staging the scene to suggest the cub had died in a cycling accident.
RFK Jr alleged relationship with journalist
Kennedy was implicated in allegations of an inappropriate relationship with political reporter Olivia Nuzzi, who was placed on leave by New York Magazine in October. While Nuzzi denied a physical relationship, Kennedy reportedly boasted to friends about receiving personal photos from her. A spokesperson for Kennedy stated he had only met Nuzzi once for an interview. The controversy arose despite Kennedy being married to actor Cheryl Hines.
Measles outbreak in Samoa
Kennedy faced criticism for his connection to a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa that claimed 83 lives, mostly children. Although he denied discouraging vaccinations during his visit to the island, his organization was accused of spreading vaccine misinformation, which reportedly contributed to the outbreak. Kennedy had publicly supported anti-vaccine figures in Samoa and later called one of them a “hero.”
Brain damage and heroin use
In court testimony, RFK Jr attributed long-term “brain fog” to a tapeworm contracted in South Asia, claiming it affected his cognitive abilities. He also discussed his history of heroin addiction, which began at age 15 and lasted 14 years. Kennedy has used his recovery from addiction as part of his campaign message, positioning himself as someone who understands and can address the nation’s drug problems.
RFK Jr accused of sexual assault
RFK Jr has also faced accusations of sexual assault from a former nanny, Eliza Cooney, who worked for his family in the late 1990s. Cooney alleged that Kennedy made inappropriate advances toward her, including touching her and trapping her in a room. Kennedy addressed these claims by acknowledging his tumultuous past, stating he had led a “rambunctious youth” and was not attempting to portray himself as a morally flawless figure.
As Kennedy prepares to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, his controversial history and outspoken views remain a focal point of public scrutiny.
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