Career Timeline of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist. A member of the Kennedy family, he is the son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of John F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy. He has served as the 26th United States secretary of health and human services since 2025.
1953: Kennedy denounces U.S.-backed coup in Iran
In 1953, Kennedy denounced the operations of former CIA director Allen Dulles, condemning U.S.-backed coups and interventions such as the 1953 Iranian coup d'état as "bloodthirsty", and blamed U.S. interventions for the rise of terrorist organizations and anti-American sentiment.
1972: Film about wildlife and conservation in Kenya
In 1972, Kennedy and Roger Ailes made a film about wildlife and conservation in Kenya.
1974: Kennedy publishes "Poor Chile" article
In 1974, Kennedy expressed his disapproval of U.S. intervention in foreign governments in an Atlantic Monthly article titled "Poor Chile", discussing the overthrow of Chilean president Salvador Allende.
1975: First-Descent Whitewater Expedition
In 1975, Kennedy organized and led a "first-descent" whitewater expedition to the Apurimac River in Peru.
1975: Kennedy criticizes assassination as a foreign policy tool
In 1975, Kennedy published an article in The Wall Street Journal criticizing assassination as a foreign policy tool.
1975: Martha Moxley Murder
In 2003, Kennedy published an article in The Atlantic Monthly about the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley, insisting that his cousin Michael Skakel's indictment was triggered by an inflamed media.
1976: Whitewater Company Partner
Between 1976 and 1981, Kennedy was a partner and guide at a whitewater company, Utopian, based in West Forks, Maine.
1976: Sargent Shriver's Presidential Campaign
In 1976, Kennedy worked on his uncle Sargent Shriver's presidential campaign in Massachusetts.
1979: First-Descent Whitewater Expedition
In 1979, Kennedy organized and led a "first-descent" whitewater expedition to the Atrato River in Colombia.
1980: Ted Kennedy's Presidential Campaign
In 1980, Kennedy was on the national staff and a state coordinator for his uncle Ted Kennedy's presidential campaign.
1980: Republican Party Hostility
In 2020, Kennedy mentioned that since 1980, the Republican party has displayed a growing hostility towards the environment.
June 1981: Kennedy speaks at anti-nuclear rally at the Hollywood Bowl
In June 1981, Kennedy spoke at an anti-nuclear rally at the Hollywood Bowl with musicians Stephen Stills, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Browne.
1981: Whitewater Company Partner
Between 1976 and 1981, Kennedy was a partner and guide at a whitewater company, Utopian, based in West Forks, Maine.
1982: First-Descent Whitewater Expedition
In 1982, Kennedy organized and led a "first-descent" whitewater expedition to the Caroni River in Venezuela.
1982: Sworn in as Assistant District Attorney
In 1982, Kennedy was sworn in as an assistant district attorney for Manhattan.
July 1983: Resignation as Assistant District Attorney
In July 1983, Kennedy resigned as assistant district attorney after failing the New York bar exam.
1984: Volunteering at Hudson River Fisherman's Association
In 1984, Kennedy began volunteering at the Hudson River Fisherman's Association.
1985: Admitted to NY bar
In 1985, Kennedy was admitted to the New York bar.
1985: Development of NRDC International Program
Starting in 1985, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. helped develop the international program for environmental, energy, and human rights of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), assisting indigenous tribes in Canada and Latin America to protect their homelands and oppose large-scale energy and extractive projects in remote wilderness areas.
1986: Adjunct Professor at Pace University
In 1986, Kennedy became an adjunct professor of environmental law at Pace University School of Law.
1987: Falconry Advising Committee & Manual Author
In 1987, Kennedy authored New York State's examination for apprentice falconers while on Governor Mario Cuomo's New York State Falconry Advising Committee. He also wrote the New York State Apprentice Falconer's Manual, published by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which remains in use.
1987: Founded Pace's Environmental Litigation Clinic
In 1987, Kennedy founded Pace's Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law.
1987: Founded Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace
In 1987, Kennedy founded the Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law.
1987: Lawsuit to Reopen Croton Point Park
In 1987, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. successfully sued Westchester County to reopen Croton Point Park, which was primarily used by poor and minority communities from the Bronx. He also forced the reopening of Pelham Bay Park, which New York City had converted to a police firing range.
1988: President of NYS Falconry Association
In 1988, Kennedy was president of the New York State Falconry Association.
1990: Assisted Pehuenches in Chile
In 1990, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assisted indigenous Pehuenches in Chile in a partially successful campaign to stop the construction of a series of dams on Chile's Biobío River, derailing all but one of the proposed dams.
1991: Represented Environmentalists in Lawsuits
Beginning in 1991, Kennedy represented environmentalists and New York City watershed consumers in a series of lawsuits against New York City and upstate watershed polluters.
1991: End of Term as President of NYS Falconry Association
In 1991, Kennedy's term as the president of the New York State Falconry Association ended.
1992: Assisted Cree Indians Against Hydro-Québec
Beginning in 1992, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assisted the Cree Indians of northern Quebec in their campaign against Hydro-Québec to halt construction of approximately 600 proposed dams on eleven rivers in James Bay.
1993: Campaign to end industrial logging in Clayoquot Sound
From 1993, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. worked with five Vancouver Island First Nations in their campaign to end industrial logging by MacMillan Bloedel in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia.
1993: Early Descent of Great Whale River
In 1993, Kennedy made an early descent of the Great Whale River in northern Quebec, Canada.
1993: Dispute Over Indigenous Rights in Ecuador
In 1993, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and NRDC clashed with other American environmental groups in a dispute about the rights of Indians to govern their own lands in the Oriente region of Ecuador. Kennedy represented CONFENIAE in negotiation with Conoco to limit oil development and obtain benefits for Amazonian tribes, and criticized Texaco for its pollution record in the Ecuadoran Amazon.
1995: Advocacy for Repeal of Environmental Legislation
In 1995, Kennedy advocated for the repeal of legislation he considered unfriendly to the environment.
1996: Helped Mexican Fishermen halt Mitsubishi's salt facility proposal
Between 1996, Robert F. Kennedy and the NRDC helped Mexican commercial fishermen halt Mitsubishi's proposal to build a salt facility in the Laguna San Ignacio, an area in Baja where gray whales breed and nurse their calves. Kennedy wrote in opposition to the project and took the campaign to Japan, meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi.
1996: New York City Watershed Agreement
In 1996, Kennedy helped orchestrate the $1.2 billion New York City Watershed Agreement.
1996: Met with Fidel Castro
In 1996, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with Cuban president Fidel Castro to persuade him to halt his plans to construct a nuclear power plant at Juraguá. Castro reminisced about Kennedy's father and uncle, speculating about US-Cuba relations.
June 1999: Founded Waterkeeper Alliance
In June 1999, Kennedy and a few dozen Riverkeepers founded the Waterkeeper Alliance in Southampton, Long Island.
1999: Founded Waterkeeper Alliance
In 1999, Kennedy founded the nonprofit environmental group Waterkeeper Alliance.
1999: Creation of Keeper Springs Bottled Water Company
In 1999, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with Chris Bartle and John Hoving, created Keeper Springs, a bottled water company that donated all profits to Waterkeeper Alliance.
1999: Worked with Vancouver Island First Nations
Until 1999, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. worked with five Vancouver Island First Nations in their campaign to end industrial logging by MacMillan Bloedel in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia.
2000: Sued Factory Farms
Beginning in 2000, Kennedy sued factory farms in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Iowa.
2000: Founded Kennedy & Madonna, LLP
In 2000, Kennedy and Kevin Madonna founded the environmental law firm Kennedy & Madonna, LLP.
2000: Endorsement of Al Gore
In 2000, Kennedy endorsed and campaigned for Vice President Al Gore during his presidential campaign and openly opposed Ralph Nader's Green Party presidential campaign.
2000: Assisted Local Activists in Bahamas
In 2000, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assisted local environmental activists to stop Chaffin Light and Bechtel from building a large hotel and resort development at Clifton Bay, New Providence Island, arguing it threatened coral reefs and public beaches.
2000: Considered Running for US Senate
In 2000, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. considered running for political office when Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a US senator from New York, did not seek reelection to the seat formerly held by Kennedy's father.
2000: Considered for White House Council Chair
In 2000, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was considered as a potential chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality for Al Gore.
2001: Challenging Pollution from Industrial Pork
In 2001, Kennedy & Madonna organized a team of law firms to challenge pollution from industrial pork and poultry production.
2001: Sued US Navy over Vieques Bombing
In 2001, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sued the US Navy on behalf of fishermen and residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico, to stop weapons testing, bombing, and other military exercises. He argued the activities were unnecessary, destroyed endangered species, polluted the island's waters, harmed residents' health, and damaged its economy. He was arrested for trespassing and served 30 days in a maximum security prison.
2001: Launch of "Clean Coal is a Deadly Lie" Campaign
In 2001, under Kennedy's leadership, Waterkeeper launched its "Clean Coal is a Deadly Lie" campaign, targeting mining practices and coal-burning utilities.
2003: Article on Martha Moxley Murder
In 2003, Kennedy published an article in The Atlantic Monthly arguing for Michael Skakel's innocence in the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley, suggesting Kenneth Littleton was the real killer.
2003: Kennedy writes article in Rolling Stone about Bush's environmental record
In 2003, Kennedy wrote an article in Rolling Stone about George W. Bush's environmental record, which he expanded into a New York Times bestselling book.
2003: Article on Factory Farms
In a 2003 article, Kennedy argued factory farms produce lower-quality, less healthy food and harm independent family farmers.
2004: $70 Million Settlement in Pensacola
In 2004, Kennedy & Madonna was part of a legal team that secured a $70 million settlement for property owners in Pensacola, Florida, whose properties were contaminated by chemicals from an adjacent Superfund site.
2004: Endorsement of John Kerry and Election Fraud Allegations
In 2004, Kennedy endorsed John Kerry for president. After Kerry's loss to George W. Bush, Kennedy wrote an article for Rolling Stone falsely claiming election results were fraudulent.
2004: Publication of Saint Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy
In 2004, Kennedy published a biography titled "Saint Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy," linking Catholicism to his environmentalism.
2004: Considered for EPA Administrator
In 2004, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was considered for the role of EPA administrator under John Kerry.
2004: Disputed 2004 Presidential Election
In June 2006, Kennedy wrote an article in Rolling Stone claiming that the 2004 presidential election was stolen for President George W. Bush.
June 2005: Publication of "Deadly Immunity" article
In June 2005, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. published "Deadly Immunity" in Rolling Stone and Salon.com, alleging a government conspiracy to hide a link between thimerosal and childhood neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The article contained factual inaccuracies, leading to corrections from Salon.com.
2005: Kennedy decries President Bush's use of torture
In 2005, Kennedy wrote an article for the Los Angeles Times decrying President Bush's use of torture as anti-American. His uncle Senator Ted Kennedy entered the article into the Congressional Record.
2005: Considered Running for New York Attorney General
In 2005, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. considered running for New York attorney general in the 2006 election but ultimately chose not to, despite being considered the front-runner. This would have put him up against his then-brother-in-law Andrew Cuomo.
June 2006: Rolling Stone Article on 2004 Election
In June 2006, Kennedy published an article in Rolling Stone alleging that GOP operatives stole the 2004 presidential election for George W. Bush, a claim widely regarded as a conspiracy theory.
2006: Considered running for New York attorney general
In 2006, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. considered running for New York attorney general in the 2006 election but ultimately chose not to, despite being considered the front-runner. This would have put him up against his then-brother-in-law Andrew Cuomo.
2007: Nominated for Trial Lawyer of the Year
In 2007, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was nominated by Public Justice as "Trial Lawyer of the Year" for his role in the $396 million jury verdict against DuPont for contamination from its zinc plant in Spelter, West Virginia.
2007: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
In late 2007, Kennedy and his sisters Kerry and Kathleen endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
December 2, 2008: Declined US Senate Nomination
On December 2, 2008, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declined New York governor David Paterson's potential nomination to the US Senate seat to be vacated by Hillary Clinton, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
2008: Campaigning for Obama
After the Democratic Convention in 2008, Kennedy campaigned for Obama across the country. Subsequently, the Obama administration considered Kennedy for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, but concerns over controversial statements and a past arrest made his confirmation unlikely.
2008: Considered for EPA Administrator
In 2008, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was considered for the role of EPA administrator under Barack Obama.
April 2, 2009: Kennedy recognized as one of Rolling Stone's '100 Agents of Change'
On April 2, 2009, Kennedy's opposition to the Bush administration's environmental policies earned him recognition as one of Rolling Stone's "100 Agents of Change".
2009: Kennedy cites alleged WikiLeaks disclosures regarding Syrian pipeline dispute in 2009
In February 2016, Kennedy cites apparent WikiLeaks disclosures alleging that the CIA led military and intelligence planners to foment a Sunni uprising against Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, following his rejection of a proposed Qatar-Turkey pipeline through Syria in 2009, well before the Arab Spring.
2010: Profiled in Mann v. Ford documentary
In 2010, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was profiled in the HBO documentary Mann v. Ford, which chronicled the litigation by his firm on behalf of the Ramapough Mountain Indians against the Ford Motor Company for toxic waste dumping. The lawsuit led to a monetary settlement and the relisting of the community's land on the federal Superfund list.
2010: Lawsuit against ExxonMobil
In 2010, a Pace lawsuit forced ExxonMobil to clean up tens of millions of gallons of oil from legacy refinery spills in Newtown Creek in Brooklyn.
October 2011: Co-founded EcoWatch
In October 2011, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. co-founded EcoWatch, an environmental news site.
2011: Salon.com Retracts "Deadly Immunity" Article
In 2011, Salon.com fully retracted Kennedy's "Deadly Immunity" article due to accumulating evidence of errors and potential scientific fraud related to vaccine-autism claims. A corrected version was published on Rolling Stone's website.
October 2012: Kennedy calls on environmentalists to target Congress
During an October 2012 interview with Politico, Kennedy called on environmentalists to direct their dissatisfaction toward Congress rather than President Barack Obama. He claimed that politicians not acting on climate change policy serve special interests and sell out public trust.
2012: Introduction to 'Billionaires and Ballot Bandits'
In 2012, Kennedy wrote the introduction and a chapter in 'Billionaires and Ballot Bandits', a book on election hacking by Greg Palast.
February 2013: Kennedy arrested protesting Keystone XL Pipeline
In February 2013, Kennedy and his son, Conor, were arrested for blocking a thoroughfare in front of the White House while protesting the Keystone XL Pipeline.
May 2013: Keynote address at AutismOne / Generation Rescue conference
In May 2013, Kennedy delivered the keynote address at the anti-vaccination AutismOne / Generation Rescue conference.
2013: Kennedy helps engineer ban on fracking in New York State.
In 2013, as a member of Governor Andrew Cuomo's fracking commission, Kennedy helped engineer a ban on fracking in New York State.
2014: Publication of "Thimerosal: Let the Science Speak"
In 2014, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s book, "Thimerosal: Let the Science Speak: The Evidence Supporting the Immediate Removal of Mercury – a Known Neurotoxin – from Vaccines", was published, advocating for the removal of thimerosal from vaccines.
2014: People's Climate March Speech
In 2014, during the People's Climate March, Kennedy spoke about the Koch brothers and their financial contributions to stopping climate legislation, emphasizing the need for "people power" to counter their influence.
2015: Danish study
In 2015, Kennedy cited a Danish study, to allege a link between autism and circumcision.
February 2016: Kennedy publishes 'Why the Arabs Don't Want Us in Syria' in Politico
In February 2016, Kennedy published an article titled "Why the Arabs Don't Want Us in Syria" in Politico, criticizing modern interventionists. He argued that Middle East nationalists don't hate the U.S. for its freedoms but for betraying those ideals within their borders.
August 2016: Kennedy protests Dakota Access pipeline
In August 2016, Kennedy and Waterkeepers participated in protests to block the extension of the Dakota Access pipeline across the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation's water supply.
2016: Criticism of Donald Trump and Supporters
In 2016, Kennedy described Donald Trump's supporters as "belligerent idiots" and suggested some were "outright Nazis." He also called Trump a "bully" and a "threat to democracy," comparing him to Adolf Hitler and George Wallace.
2016: Release of 'Framed'
In 2016, Kennedy released the book Framed: Why Michael Skakel Spent over a Decade in Prison for a Murder He Didn't Commit, further arguing for Skakel's innocence in the Martha Moxley murder case.
2016: Counsel to Morgan & Morgan Law Firm
In 2016, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became counsel to the Morgan & Morgan law firm, following their successful collaboration on the case against SoCalGas Company after the Aliso Canyon gas leak in California.
2016: Kennedy speaks about environmental pollution and poverty at South by Southwest conference
In 2016, at the South by Southwest environment conference, Kennedy argued that poor communities disproportionately bear the burden of environmental pollution. He noted that Chicago's South Side has the highest concentration of toxic waste dumps in the U.S., with 80% of "uncontrolled toxic waste dumps" located in black neighborhoods.
2016: Endesa Relinquished Claims to Futaleufú
In 2016, due to the pressure precipitated by the Futaleufú Riverkeepers campaign against the dams, the Spanish power company Endesa, which owned the right to dam the river, reversed its decision and relinquished all claims to the Futaleufú. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. helped lead the opposition to the damming of the Futaleufú River in the Southern Zone of Chile.
January 10, 2017: Meeting with Donald Trump about a position in the Trump administration
On January 10, 2017, Sean Spicer confirmed that Kennedy met with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss a position in the Trump administration. Kennedy said he accepted an offer to chair the Vaccine Safety Task Force, but no final decision was made at that time.
February 15, 2017: Press conference with Robert De Niro
On February 15, 2017, Kennedy and Robert De Niro held a press conference in Washington, D.C., alleging that the press favored the vaccination industry and restricted debates on vaccine science. They offered a $100,000 reward for a study proving the safety of injecting mercury into babies and pregnant women at levels in flu vaccines.
June 2017: Kennedy says oil industry uses infrastructure to entrench itself.
In a June 2017 interview on EnviroNews, Kennedy stated the oil industry's strategy is to "build as many miles of pipeline as possible" to increase infrastructure investment, preventing the country from transitioning away from it.
August 2017: Meetings with federal public health regulators
In August 2017, Kennedy said that he had been meeting with federal public health regulators at the White House's request to discuss defects in vaccine safety science.
October 5, 2017: Installation of Advanced Flow Batteries at Holy Name High School
On October 5, 2017, Vionx, National Grid and the US Department of Energy completed the installation of advanced flow batteries at Holy Name High School in Worcester, Massachusetts. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on the board of Vionx, a utility-scale vanadium flow battery systems manufacturer. The collaboration also included Siemens and the United Technologies Research Center.
2017: Argument about Renewable Energy
In 2017, Kennedy argued that the electricity Indian Point provided could be fully replaced by renewable energy.
2017: Resignation from Riverkeeper
In 2017, Kennedy resigned from Riverkeeper.
2017: Lawsuit Against Monsanto
In 2017, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his partners sued Monsanto in federal court in San Francisco, representing plaintiffs seeking damages for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma allegedly caused by exposure to Monsanto's glyphosate-based herbicide, Roundup. They also filed a class action lawsuit against Monsanto for failing to warn consumers about the dangers of Roundup.
2017: $670 Million Settlement Against DuPont
In 2017, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s firm was part of the trial team that secured a $670 million settlement on behalf of over 3,000 residents from Ohio and West Virginia whose drinking water was contaminated by the toxic chemical perfluorooctanoic acid, released by DuPont in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
2017: 'Framed' Optioned for TV Series
In 2017, the rights to Kennedy's book Framed were optioned by FX Productions to develop a multi-part television series.
September 2018: Class-Action Lawsuit Against Columbia Gas
In September 2018, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his partners filed a class-action lawsuit against Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, alleging negligence following gas explosions in three towns north of Boston. Kennedy criticized Columbia Gas for neglecting its existing infrastructure while building new pipelines.
2018: Allegation that the MMR vaccine played a role in the deaths of two Samoan infants.
In 2018, Kennedy's charity and Winterstein have both perpetuated the allegation that the MMR vaccine played a role in the deaths of two Samoan infants, despite the subsequent revelation that the infants had mistakenly received a muscle relaxant along with the vaccine.
2018: Resigned from EcoWatch Board
In 2018, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. resigned from the board of directors of EcoWatch.
June 4, 2019: Appearance in Instagram photo with anti-vaccine activist
On June 4, 2019, during a visit to Samoa, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared in an Instagram photo with Australian-Samoan anti-vaccine activist Taylor Winterstein. Both Kennedy's charity and Winterstein have promoted the allegation that the MMR vaccine played a role in the 2018 deaths of two Samoan infants.
August 2020: Interview with Alec Baldwin on Instagram
In August 2020, Kennedy appeared in an hour-long interview with Alec Baldwin on Instagram where he promoted several incorrect and misleading claims about vaccines and public health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 2020: Speaker at Berlin demonstration against COVID-19 restrictions
In August 2020, Kennedy spoke at a partially violent demonstration in Berlin where populist groups called for an end to COVID-19 restrictions.
November 2020: Resigned Waterkeeper Alliance presidency
In November 2020, Kennedy resigned the Waterkeeper Alliance presidency.
2020: Increased social media impact
Between the spring and fall of 2020, Kennedy's Instagram account grew from 121,000 followers to 454,000.
2020: Claims without proof that Fauci and Gates had schemed to prolong the pandemic
In 2020, Kennedy claims without proof that Fauci and Gates had schemed to prolong the pandemic and exaggerate its effects, promoting expensive vaccinations for the benefit of "a powerful vaccine cartel".
2020: Foreword to "Plague of Corruption"
In 2020, Kennedy wrote the foreword to "Plague of Corruption", a book by anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Judy Mikovits.
2020: Yahoo Finance Interview
In a 2020 interview on Yahoo Finance, Kennedy described President Trump's environmental policies as a "cataclysm" and criticized the Republican Party's growing hostility toward the environment since 1980.
2020: Kennedy supports Green New Deal.
In a 2020 interview, Kennedy supported Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal resolution. He stated his approach is more market-based than top-down dictates, suggesting using market mechanisms like carbon taxes and eliminating subsidies.
February 2021: Instagram account blocked
In February 2021, Kennedy's Instagram account was blocked for "repeatedly sharing debunked claims about the coronavirus or vaccines".
March 2021: Release of "Medical Racism: The New Apartheid" video
In March 2021, Children's Health Defense, with Kennedy's participation, released "Medical Racism: The New Apartheid", an anti-vaccine propaganda video promoting COVID-19 conspiracy theories and claiming COVID-19 vaccination efforts are medical experiments on Black people.
May 2021: Petition to FDA to rescind COVID vaccine authorization
In May 2021, Kennedy petitioned the FDA to rescind authorization for all current and future COVID vaccines, despite the vaccines having saved approximately 140,000 lives in the United States.
September 2021: YouTube account removal
In late September 2021, Kennedy's YouTube account was removed for violating the company's policies on vaccine misinformation.
November 2021: Publication of "The Real Anthony Fauci"
In November 2021, Kennedy's book "The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health" was published. The book alleges that Fauci sabotaged AIDS treatments, violated federal laws, and conspired to suppress information about COVID-19 cures.
2021: Statement about racial differences in the effectiveness of COVID-19
In 2021, Kennedy explained his remarks by citing a 2021 study that he said showed that COVID-19 appears to disproportionately affect certain races, serving as a kind of proof of concept for ethnically targeted bioweapons.
2021: Statements regarding HIV and AIDS
In his 2021 book "The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the War on Democracy and Public Health", Kennedy wrote that he takes "no position on the relationship between HIV and AIDS", but spent over 100 pages quoting HIV denialists such as Peter Duesberg who question the isolation of HIV and the etiology of AIDS.
January 2022: Comments at anti-vaccination rally comparing public health measures to Nazi Germany
In January 2022, Kennedy made controversial comments at an anti-vaccination rally in Washington D.C., comparing public health measures to Nazi Germany, leading to condemnation and later an apology.
March 3, 2023: Considering Run for President in 2024
On March 3, 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a speech in New Hampshire that he was considering a run for president in 2024, stating his wife had "greenlighted it."
April 5, 2023: Filed Candidacy for Democratic Presidential Nomination
On April 5, 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filed his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. He later formally declared his candidacy at an event in Boston on April 19, and became an independent candidate on October 9.
May 2023: Kennedy voices support for agrarian movements
In May 2023, Kennedy voiced support for agrarian movements, stating, "If we want to have democracy, we need a broad ownership of our land by a wide variety of yeoman farmers, each with a stake in our system."
June 2023: Instagram account reinstated
In June 2023, Instagram reinstated Kennedy's account.
June 2023: Kennedy advocates for reducing U.S. military presence abroad
In a June 2023 interview, Kennedy stated he believes U.S. foreign relations should involve significantly reducing the military presence in other nations, advocating for closing U.S. bases worldwide to "start unraveling the Empire".
July 2023: Controversial remarks about COVID-19 ethnic targeting
In July 2023, Kennedy made controversial remarks at a private dinner, suggesting that COVID-19 was "ethnically targeted" to attack Caucasians and Black people, while Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese were more immune, leading to widespread condemnation.
November 2023: Petition for JFK Documents Release
In November 2023, Kennedy launched a petition on his presidential campaign website calling for the Biden administration to release the remaining 1% of documents related to John F. Kennedy's assassination, arguing it could help restore trust in the government.
2023: Kennedy claims insurance companies unwilling to insure nuclear plants
In 2023, Kennedy stated insurance companies are unwilling to insure nuclear plants, arguing that nuclear energy is a profit-making venture promoted by corporate lobbyists rather than environmental activists.
2023: Kennedy remarks on the decline of the American middle class
In 2023, Kennedy stated that American politicians have been systematically eroding the American middle class. He said that the financial and military-industrial sectors are funded at the expense of the middle class, and the U.S. government is controlled by corporate power.
May 2024: Lost Libertarian Party Nomination
In May 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was considered for the Libertarian Party's nomination for president, but lost to Chase Oliver. In Colorado, the state Libertarian Party selected Kennedy, but Oliver appeared on the ballot as the Libertarian nominee.
August 2024: Endorsement of chemtrails conspiracy theory
In August 2024, after endorsing Trump for president and starting to work with Trump's campaign, Kennedy posted, "We are going to stop this crime" of chemtrails, furthering a conspiracy theory about airplane water vapor trails being purposely dumped chemicals.
December 16, 2024: Began Meeting with Senators in Advance of Confirmation Hearings
During the week of December 16, 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. began meeting with senators in advance of his confirmation hearings after Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Kennedy for secretary of health and human services (HHS) after winning the 2024 United States presidential election.
2024: Endorsement of Trump for president
In 2024, Kennedy endorsed Trump for president at a Trump campaign rally in Arizona.
2024: Presidential Campaign
In 2024, Kennedy ran as a member of the Democratic Party, later started an independent campaign in the presidential election, before withdrawing from the race and endorsing the Republican Party's nominee, Donald Trump.
2024: Considering Run for President in 2024
On March 3, 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a speech in New Hampshire that he was considering a run for president in 2024, stating his wife had "greenlighted it."
January 2025: Senate Committee Held Hearings on Kennedy's Nomination
In January 2025, the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) held hearings on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as secretary of health and human services (HHS). Senator Bernie Sanders was critical of Kennedy during the hearing.
January 28, 2025: Caroline Kennedy Denounces RFK Jr.
On January 28, 2025, Caroline Kennedy publicly denounced Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a letter and video sent to U.S. senators, calling him a "predator" and "hypocrite" unqualified for the role of Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. She accused him of animal cruelty and encouraging substance abuse among family members.
February 4, 2025: Senate Committee Advances Kennedy's Nomination
On February 4, 2025, the Senate Committee on Finance voted 14-13 to forward Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to a full Senate vote. Bill Cassidy provided the deciding vote, citing "serious commitments" from the Trump administration and "honest counsel" from Vice President JD Vance.
February 13, 2025: Senate Confirms Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services
On February 13, 2025, the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services by a vote of 52 to 48. Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, was the sole Republican to vote against him, citing concerns about efforts to undermine the polio vaccine.
February 14, 2025: Federal Health Workers Fired
On February 14, 2025, approximately 5,200 newly hired federal health workers at agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), were informed of their termination.
February 20, 2025: CDC Flu Vaccination Ad Campaign Suspended
On February 20, 2025, during a severe influenza season, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) instructed the CDC to suspend its ad campaign promoting flu vaccination.
April 2025: NIOSH Staff Fired
In April 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired most of the staff of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, resulting in the abrupt cancellation of programs and research.
May 22, 2025: MAHA Commission Releases Report on Childhood Chronic Disease
On May 22, 2025, the MAHA Commission released a "wide-ranging" report linking diet, vaccinations, medical prescriptions, physical stress, food additives, and pesticides to the rise in childhood chronic disease.
June 2025: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Members Replaced
In June 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the removal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and their replacement with new individuals.
August 2025: CDC Leaders Resign Over Anti-Science Policies
In August 2025, following the ousting of CDC director Susan Monarez, several CDC leaders, including Demetre Daskalakis, Debra Houry, and the heads of other directorates, resigned in protest of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-science policies, with some accusing him of weaponizing public health for political gain.
September 22, 2025: $50 Million Grant Approved for Autism Research
On September 22, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. approved a $50 million grant to the National Institute of Health (NIH) for 13 projects to "help transform autism research" through the proposed Autism Data Science Initiative.
October 9, 2025: Alleged link between autism and circumcision
On October 9, 2025, Kennedy alleged a link between autism and circumcision, citing a 2015 Danish study. Scientists and medical experts have rejected Kennedy's assertion.
November 19, 2025: CDC Website on Autism and Vaccines Changed
On November 19, 2025, the CDC website on "Autism and Vaccines" was significantly altered from its September 2025 version. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly stated that he personally directed the CDC to change its stance that vaccines do not cause autism.
December 5, 2025: ACIP Recommends Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation
On December 5, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vaccine panel voted to end the CDC's universal recommendation that newborn babies receive Hepatitis B vaccine doses. They instead suggested "individual-based decision-making for parents", which is infants born to women who test negative for the virus.
2025: Confirmation as HHS Secretary
In 2025, Kennedy was narrowly confirmed as HHS secretary amid strong opposition.
2025: Appointed as Secretary of Health and Human Services
In 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed the role of the 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Bill Gates an American businessman and philanthropist revolutionized personal computing...
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking service owned...
Barack Obama the th U S President - was the...
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is a prominent American politician lawyer...
Home Box Office HBO is an American pay television service...
Trending
43 minutes ago Will Klein: From Mariner to Dodgers' Secret Weapon, Stabilizing the Bullpen
44 minutes ago Jake Johnson hints at explosive Spider-Verse moments as voice recording commences.
2 hours ago Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Chet Holmgren After Wembanyama's Dominant Game 1 Performance
2 hours ago WNBA's Connecticut Sun Sale Approved, Relocation to Houston, and 'Sun Legends' Honored.
3 hours ago Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner Double Date with Kendall and Jacob Elordi
3 hours ago Spike Lee's courtside Knicks tickets cost revealed at Madison Square Garden.
Popular
Thomas Massie is a Republican politician and engineer representing Kentucky's...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
William Franklin Graham III known as Franklin Graham is an...
Ken Paxton is an American politician and lawyer serving as...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
Sir David Attenborough is a highly acclaimed English broadcaster natural...