Caroline Kennedy, the cousin of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is speaking out ahead of his confirmation hearing to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In a letter to lawmakers, Caroline called her cousin a “predator” and argued that he is unqualified for the role. She said that Bobby, as she refers to him, has long been involved in disturbing behavior, particularly with animals. She recalled how Bobby kept birds of prey as pets and often used baby animals like chickens and mice to feed them. She also mentioned how drugs were often present in places Bobby frequented, such as his basement and dorm room, leading to addiction within their family.
Caroline expressed concern about the potential harm Bobby could cause if given the responsibility of leading the department. She criticized his actions, particularly his stance on vaccinations. Caroline noted that Bobby discourages other parents from vaccinating their children, even though he vaccinated his own. She believes Bobby exploits the fears and desperation of parents with sick children to gain attention and influence.
This is not the first time the Kennedy family has spoken out against Bobby’s views. His niece, Kerry Kennedy-Meltzer, who is a primary care physician, shared private emails with him in which she expressed her concerns about his stance on COVID-19 and vaccines. In 2020, Kerry worked in an ICU and witnessed the devastating effects of COVID-19, particularly among unvaccinated patients. She described in one email how she held the hand of a man who was about to be intubated, pleading for her to save him. Despite her experience, Bobby dismissed her concerns and instead repeated claims that had already been debunked, such as the false idea that vaccines cause autism.
Kerry’s emails show her struggle to convince Bobby about the risks of COVID-19, even as she worked on the frontlines of the pandemic. She pointed out the difference between his beliefs and the data she was seeing in her hospital. Bobby’s refusal to accept medical facts has drawn criticism from his family, especially with his confirmation hearing approaching.
Caroline’s letter is a powerful reminder of the deep divisions within the Kennedy family over Bobby’s views and his fitness to serve in such an influential position.
