History of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Timeline
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.
January 17, 1954: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Born
On January 17, 1954, Robert Francis Kennedy Jr., also known as RFK Jr., was born. He is a member of the Kennedy family, son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of John F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy.
1962: Vaccination Assistance Act of 1962
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy signed and reauthorized the Vaccination Assistance Act of 1962.
1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy
In 1963, when Kennedy was nine years old, John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
1964: Mount Kennedy Named After JFK
In 1964, Mount Kennedy was named for John F. Kennedy.
1965: First Climb of Mount Kennedy
In 1965, Kennedy's father became the first person to climb Mount Kennedy.
1968: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
In 1968, when Kennedy was 14, his father was assassinated while running for president. Kennedy learned of his father's shooting while at Georgetown Preparatory School.
June 1972: Graduation from Palfrey Street School
In June 1972, Kennedy graduated from the Palfrey Street School in Watertown, Massachusetts.
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: Graduation from Harvard University
In 1976, Kennedy graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in American history and literature.
1976: Sargent Shriver's Presidential Campaign
In 1976, Kennedy worked on his uncle Sargent Shriver's presidential campaign in Massachusetts.
1978: Publication of book on Frank Minis Johnson
Kennedy's book on Frank Minis Johnson, a federal judge who led racial desegregation in Alabama, was published in 1978.
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.
April 3, 1982: Marriage to Emily Ruth Black
On April 3, 1982, Kennedy married Emily Ruth Black, whom he met at the University of Virginia School of Law.
1982: Juris Doctor Degree
In 1982, Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
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.
September 16, 1983: Charged with Heroin Possession
On September 16, 1983, Kennedy was charged with heroin possession in Rapid City, South Dakota.
February 1984: Guilty Plea and Sentencing for Heroin Possession
In February 1984, Kennedy pleaded guilty to a single felony charge of possession of heroin and was sentenced to two years of probation and community service.
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.
1986: Riverkeeper Renamed
In 1986, the Hudson River Fisherman's Association was renamed Riverkeeper.
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: Master of Laws from Pace University
In 1987, Kennedy earned a Master of Laws from Pace University.
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.
1989: Vaccine Claim
In 1989, Kennedy wrote the foreword to The Peanut Allergy Epidemic, in which he and the authors falsely link increasing food allergies in children to certain vaccines that were approved.
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.
1992: Separation from Emily Ruth Black
In 1992, Kennedy and Emily Ruth Black separated.
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.
April 15, 1994: Marriage to Mary Kathleen Richardson
On April 15, 1994, Kennedy married architect and designer Mary Kathleen Richardson aboard a research vessel on the Hudson River.
1994: Divorce from Emily Ruth Black
In 1994, Kennedy and Emily Ruth Black divorced.
1995: Advocacy for Repeal of Environmental Legislation
In 1995, Kennedy advocated for the repeal of legislation he considered unfriendly to the environment.
1995: Kennedy declared persona non grata in Alberta
In 1995, Premier Ralph Klein of Alberta declared Kennedy persona non grata in the province due to his activism against Alberta's large-scale hog production facilities.
1995: William Wegner Conviction
In 1995, William Wegner was convicted for tax fraud, perjury, and conspiracy to violate wildlife protection laws.
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.
1997: Publication of 'The Riverkeepers'
In 1997, Kennedy published the book "The Riverkeepers".
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: Cassidy's Hepatitis B Patient
In 2000, Bill Cassidy, then a practicing doctor, had a young female patient with acute Hepatitis B who needed a liver transplant costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and requiring a lifetime of expensive medical care. Cassidy pointed out that a $50 vaccine could have prevented the disease, illustrating the importance of preventative medicine.
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: Rehiring of William Wegner at Riverkeeper
In 2000, Kennedy insisted on rehiring William Wegner, a wildlife lecturer and falcon trainer who had been convicted of environmental crimes, leading to resignations from Riverkeeper's board.
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.
2000: The Waterkeepers Film Release
In 2000, the film "The Waterkeepers", directed by Les Guthman, focused on Kennedy and his environmental work.
April 11, 2001: Men's Journal "Heroes" Award
On April 11, 2001, Men's Journal gave Kennedy its "Heroes" Award for creating the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic.
November 11, 2001: Raccoon Incident Diary Entry
According to Isabel Vincent's 2026 book, in Kennedy's diary entry on November 11, 2001, he wrote about cutting the penis off a road-killed raccoon to "study them later."
2001: Kennedy's Journal
Before her death, Mary Richardson discovered Kennedy's personal journal from 2001, which contained records of sexual encounters with 37 different women.
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: Thimerosal Removed From Childhood Vaccines
In 2001, thimerosal was removed from all other childhood (under six years old) vaccines except for a few versions of flu and hepatitis vaccines.
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.
2001: Previous Consumption of Unusual Meats
Prior to 2001, Kennedy had consumed dog, horse, and guinea pig meat.
2002: Smithfield Foods sues Kennedy in Poland
In 2002, Smithfield Foods sued Kennedy in Poland under a Polish law that makes criticizing a corporation illegal, after he denounced the company in a debate with Smithfield's Polish director before the Polish parliament.
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: Accusation of US Government as "America's biggest polluter"
In 2003, in an article for the Chicago Tribune, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the US federal government "America's biggest polluter" and the US Department of Defense the worst offender, citing EPA data on unexploded ordnance waste and potential biological or chemical weapons.
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: Publication of 'Crimes Against Nature'
In 2004, Kennedy published the book "Crimes Against Nature".
2004: Featured in Indian Point Documentary
In 2004, Kennedy was featured in the documentary film "Indian Point: Imagining the Unimaginable", directed by his sister Rory Kennedy.
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.
July 14, 2005: "Deadly Immunity" Article Published
On July 14, 2005, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s article "Deadly Immunity", which defends controversial allegations that thimerosal-containing vaccines cause autism, appeared in Rolling Stone and on 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: Devout Catholic
In 2005, Michael Paulson described Kennedy as a "deeply devout Catholic who attends daily Mass." Kennedy also considers Francis of Assisi his role model due to his devotion to social justice, helping the poor, animal welfare, and environmentalism.
2005: Opposition to Cape Wind Project
In 2005, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clashed with national environmental groups over his opposition to the Cape Wind Project, a proposed offshore wind farm in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He sided with the commercial fishing industry, arguing the project was a costly boondoggle, drawing criticism from environmentalists, Rush Limbaugh, and John Stossel.
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.
2005: Promotion of Vaccine Misinformation
Since 2005, Kennedy has promoted vaccine misinformation and public-health conspiracy theories, drawing criticism for fueling vaccine hesitancy.
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: Appeared in Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
In 2008, Kennedy appeared in the IMAX documentary film Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk.
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.
May 12, 2010: Divorce Filing from Mary Richardson
On May 12, 2010, Kennedy filed for divorce from Mary Kathleen Richardson.
2010: Wakefield's Medical License Revoked
In 2010, Andrew Wakefield's medical license was revoked in Britain amid charges of ethical violations.
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.
2010: Dog Carcass Photo Taken
In 2010, a photo of Kennedy holding a charred animal carcass was taken and later surfaced in July 2024 in a Vanity Fair story, leading to a controversy about whether he ate dog meat.
2010: Atrazine Study
In a June 2023 podcast interview, Kennedy cited a 2010 study about atrazine and its effects on frogs.
October 2011: Co-founded EcoWatch
In October 2011, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. co-founded EcoWatch, an environmental news site.
2011: Began Dating Cheryl Hines
In 2011, Kennedy began dating actress Cheryl Hines.
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.
May 16, 2012: Death of Mary Richardson
On May 16, 2012, Mary Kathleen Richardson was found dead in Bedford, New York; her death was ruled a suicide by asphyxiation.
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.
2012: Whale Head Incident
In 2012, Kennedy's daughter Kathleen recounted in a Town & Country magazine profile how Kennedy used a chainsaw to sever the head of a dead beached whale in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, strapped it to their minivan, and drove it home. They covered their heads with plastic bags due to the smell, and other drivers reacted negatively.
2012: Divorce Court Deposition
In 2012, during a divorce court deposition, Kennedy attributed his neurological issues to a worm in his brain and mercury poisoning from tuna consumption.
January 11, 2013: Interview at Winspear Opera House
On January 11, 2013, Charlie Rose interviewed Kennedy and his sister Rory at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, where Kennedy stated his father believed that Lee Harvey Oswald had not acted alone in the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
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.
August 2, 2014: Marriage to Cheryl Hines
On August 2, 2014, Kennedy married actress Cheryl Hines at the Kennedy Compound.
October 2014: Dead Bear in Central Park Incident
In October 2014, Kennedy placed a dead six-month-old bear in Central Park, initially planning to skin it for meat after it was hit by a car. He ultimately abandoned the carcass and positioned it to look as if it had been struck by a cyclist, causing a local news spectacle. A necropsy later determined the bear died from "blunt force injuries consistent with a motor vehicle collision".
2014: Kennedy claims 2014 Ukrainian revolution was coup sponsored by US
In 2014, Kennedy said the 2014 Ukrainian revolution was an attempted coup sponsored by the U.S. against the Ukrainian government, and that the Ukrainian government committed atrocities against the Russian population in Donbas.
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.
April 2015: Kennedy Promotes Film Trace Amounts, Makes Controversial Statement
In April 2015, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. participated in a Speakers' Forum to promote the film "Trace Amounts" and referred to the increased diagnosis of cases of autism as a "holocaust", drawing heavy criticism.
2015: Danish study
In 2015, Kennedy cited a Danish study, to allege a link between autism and circumcision.
2015: Kennedy expresses desire to punish climate change skeptics
In 2015, Kennedy stated in an interview that he "wished there were a law you could punish them under", referring to politicians skeptical of global warming.
2015: Visit to Mount Kennedy and Alsek River
In 2015, Kennedy took two of his sons to the Yukon to visit Mount Kennedy and run the Alsek River.
2015: Kennedy Joins World Mercury Project
In 2015, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined the World Mercury Project, which later became Children's Health Defense, an anti-vaccine advocacy group.
2015: Thimerosal: Let the Science Speak
In 2015, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. published "Thimerosal: Let the Science Speak", where he stated he is pro-vaccine, wants vaccines to be as safe as possible, and believes vaccines have saved the lives of hundreds of millions of humans over the past century.
2015: Kennedy Meets with Farrakhan
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with Louis Farrakhan in 2015.
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.
December 2017: Meeting with Sirhan Sirhan and Call for Reinvestigation
In December 2017, Kennedy visited Sirhan Sirhan at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility and afterwards voiced his support for a reinvestigation of his father's assassination, based on eyewitness testimony and autopsy results suggesting a second gunman.
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: Children's Health Defense Buys Anti-Vaccine Facebook Advertising
Children's Health Defense was identified as one of two major buyers of anti-vaccine Facebook advertising in late 2018.
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: Skakel's Conviction Vacated
In 2018, Michael Skakel's conviction was vacated.
2018: Resigned from EcoWatch Board
In 2018, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. resigned from the board of directors of EcoWatch.
May 8, 2019: Open letter from family members criticizing anti-vaccination activities
On May 8, 2019, Kennedy's niece and siblings wrote an open letter criticizing his anti-vaccination activities and spreading of misinformation, while acknowledging his admirable causes.
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.
2019: Children's Health Defense Buys Anti-Vaccine Facebook Advertising
Children's Health Defense was identified as one of two major buyers of anti-vaccine Facebook advertising in early 2019.
2019: Kennedy Executive Producer of Vaxxed II
In 2019, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is listed as executive producer of "Vaxxed II: The People's Truth", the sequel to the anti-vaccination propaganda film "Vaxxed".
2019: Kennedy Praises Wakefield
In 2019, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said, "In any just society, we would be building statues to Andy Wakefield."
2019: Carbon Emissions Baseline
In 2019, before the start of the closure of the Indian Point nuclear-power plant, carbon emissions from electricity generation in New York state were used as a baseline to compare the carbon emissions from electricity generation in New York state after the closure of the Indian Point nuclear-power plant in 2022.
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.
December 30, 2020: Family members criticize RFK Jr.'s views on COVID-19 vaccines
On December 30, 2020, Kerry Kennedy Meltzer criticized her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for publishing misinformation about COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Caroline Kennedy stated that her family generally supports public health infrastructure but considers RFK Jr.'s views on vaccines as dangerous.
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: Kennedy says climate crisis is hijacked by billionaires
In 2020, Kennedy claimed that "Bill Gates and the World Economic Forum and the billionaire boys' club in Davos" have hijacked the climate crisis. He said the current market rewards the "dirtiest, filthiest, most poisonous, most toxic, most war-mongering fields from hell."
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: No New Trial for Skakel
In 2020, prosecutors decided not to seek a new trial for Michael Skakel.
2020: Kennedy Appears in Online Conversations with Discredited Figures
In 2020, the Center for Countering Digital Hate said that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regularly appeared in online conversations with Andrew Wakefield, Del Bigtree, and Rashid Buttar.
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".
February 2021: Kennedy's Instagram Account Deleted
In February 2021, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Instagram account was deleted for repeatedly sharing debunked claims about COVID-19 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.
March 2021: Kennedy Identified as Major Source of Anti-Vaccine Content
In March 2021, the Center for Countering Digital Hate identified Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as one of 12 people responsible for up to 65% of anti-vaccine content on Facebook and Twitter.
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: Publication of 'The Real Anthony Fauci'
In 2021, Kennedy published the book "The Real Anthony Fauci".
2021: Appeared in 'JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass'
In 2021, Kennedy was interviewed for the documentary film JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass.
2021: Kennedy Speaks at Nation of Islam Event
In 2021, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at a Nation of Islam event on vaccines, calling Louis Farrakhan a "truly great partner".
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.
2021: Maxwell's Trial
Travel logs released during Ghislaine Maxwell's 2021 trial backed the claim that Kennedy had traveled with Jeffrey Epstein.
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.
2022: Kennedy claims Ukrainian government systematically killed Russians up to 2022
In 2022, Kennedy claimed that Russians living in Ukraine "were being systematically killed by the Ukrainian government", wrongly claiming that all casualties of the Donbas War between 2014 and 2022 (about 14,000) were Russians.
2022: Publication of 'A Letter to Liberals'
In 2022, Kennedy published the book "A Letter to Liberals".
2022: Kennedy blames Biden administration for 2022 invasion of Ukraine
In 2022, Kennedy stated that the Biden administration largely caused the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia due to reckless and militant action, citing NATO expansion. However, he clarified that he opposes Putin's regime and called Putin a "monster", "thug", and "gangster".
2022: Carbon Emissions Increase After Plant's Closure
In 2022, after the closure of the Indian Point nuclear-power plant, carbon emissions from electricity generation in New York state increased by 37%, compared to 2019.
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".
June 2023: Atrazine and Gender Dysphoria Claims
In a June 2023 podcast interview, Kennedy suggested a link between atrazine contamination in water and gender dysphoria in children, citing a 2010 study on frogs. The interview was later removed by YouTube for violating its vaccine misinformation policy.
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.
July 2023: Kennedy Claims No Vaccine is Safe and Effective
In July 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated, "There's no vaccine that is safe and effective", which goes against his earlier claims about being pro-vaccine.
August 2023: Timothy Mellon's Donation to Kennedy's Super PAC
In August 2023, it was revealed that Timothy Mellon, who gave $15 million to Donald Trump's super PAC MAGA Inc., also donated $5 million to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s super PAC, making him Kennedy's largest single donor. Kennedy's campaign was noted for receiving significant support from Republican donors.
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.
December 2023: Kennedy defends Israel in heated exchange
In December 2023, Kennedy had a heated exchange with Breaking Points host Krystal Ball, in what Rabbi Shmuley Boteach called "the single greatest defense of Israel on videos since the start of the" Gaza war.
2023: Kennedy Chairs Children's Health Defense
From 2015 to 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. chaired Children's Health Defense, formerly known as the World Mercury Project.
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.
2023: PolitiFact's Lie of the Year
In 2023, PolitiFact named Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign its "lie of the year", citing numerous false conspiracy theories used during campaign appearances.
2023: Kennedy Denounces Farrakhan
In 2023, during his presidential campaign, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denounced Louis Farrakhan.
January 2024: Kennedy Claims Lyme Disease is a Military Weapon
In January 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. published a podcast about Lyme disease in which he claimed it is "highly likely to have been a military weapon" developed at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
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.
July 2024: Mellon's Donation to Kennedy and Affiliated Groups
In July 2024, Forbes reported that Timothy Mellon had donated $25 million to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kennedy-affiliated groups.
July 2024: Sexual Misconduct Allegations
In July 2024, Vanity Fair reported that Kennedy allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with Eliza Cooney in the late 1990s when she was his children's babysitter.
July 2024: Dog Carcass Controversy
In July 2024, a photo surfaced in a Vanity Fair story showing Kennedy holding a charred animal carcass. He denied that it was a dog and eating it. Snopes reported that the carcass in the photo is lamb.
August 2024: Dead Bear Incident Disclosure
In August 2024, Kennedy released a video on Twitter admitting that in October 2014 he placed a dead six-month-old bear in Central Park after it was hit by a car, initially intending to skin it for meat, but abandoned the carcass and deliberately positioned it to give the impression that it had been struck by a cyclist. This came in advance of a story in The New Yorker.
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.
September 2024: Relationship with Olivia Nuzzi
In September 2024, Olivia Nuzzi, a reporter for New York magazine, disclosed to her editors that she had been in a relationship with Kennedy, characterizing it as personal but not physical.
October 2024: Accusation against FDA
In October 2024, Kennedy accused the FDA of "aggressive suppression" of raw milk, despite experts warning of disease risks and lack of additional nutritional value.
December 2024: Nobel Laureates Oppose Nomination
In December 2024, over 75 Nobel Laureates urged the US Senate to oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination, expressing concerns that he would endanger public health.
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: Clarification on Endocrine Disruptors and Gender Dysphoria
Following media criticism, in 2024, a spokesperson for Kennedy's 2024 presidential campaign told CNN that he was being mischaracterized and that he was not claiming that endocrine disruptors were the sole cause of gender dysphoria, but rather proposing further research.
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: Investigation Request
In 2024, an environmental advocacy group requested an investigation into the 2012 whale head incident, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement found no basis for the allegation.
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 9, 2025: Doctors Oppose Nomination
On January 9, 2025, over 17,000 doctors from the Committee to Protect Health Care signed an open letter urging the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination, citing his history of undermining vaccine confidence and spreading misinformation as a threat to national healthcare.
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 24, 2025: Organizations Oppose Nomination
As of January 24, 2025, more than 80 organizations had voiced opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination, adding to the growing resistance against his potential appointment.
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.
March 2025: Kennedy refers to student protests against Israel as 'anti-semitism'
In March 2025, in an HHS news release, Kennedy referred to student protests against Israel's actions in Gaza as "anti-semitism" and the product of "woke cancel culture".
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: Association with Jeffrey Epstein
In August 2025, Ghislaine Maxwell claimed that Kennedy traveled with Jeffrey Epstein, which was supported by travel logs. Maxwell stated that she "never saw anything inappropriate" from him during that time. Kennedy confirmed traveling with Epstein on multiple occasions.
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 2025: CDC Website on Autism and Vaccines
In September 2025, the CDC's website contained a version of the "Autism and Vaccines" information before it was radically changed in November.
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 2025: Listed in Epstein's Contact Book
In November 2025, Kennedy was confirmed to be listed in Jeffrey Epstein's personal contact book. The release of the Epstein Files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act included an email about Richardson Kennedy's death. Kennedy dismissed the connection as merely social.
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.
March 16, 2026: Court Orders Reversal of Vaccine Decisions
On March 16, 2026, Massachusetts District Court Judge Brian Murphy ordered the reversal of all decisions made by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership, citing disregard for the scientific method.
2026: Publication of RFK Jr: The Fall and Rise
In Isabel Vincent's 2026 book "RFK Jr: The Fall and Rise", an entry from Kennedy's November 11, 2001 diary is mentioned, detailing his cutting of a road-killed raccoon's penis.
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