History of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Timeline
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, and activist. A member of the Kennedy family, he is the son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy. Since 2025 he has served as the 26th United States secretary of health and human services. He is also known for his anti-vaccine activism and promotion of conspiracy theories.
1953: Kennedy denounces the 1953 Iranian coup d'état
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denounced the 1953 Iranian coup d'état as "bloodthirsty".
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 politician, environmental lawyer, author, anti-vaccine activist, and conspiracy theorist.
1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy
In 1963, when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was nine years old, his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.
1964: Mount Kennedy named
In 1964, the Canadian government named Canada's highest unclimbed peak Mount Kennedy in honor of John F. Kennedy.
1965: First ascent of Mount Kennedy
In 1965, Kennedy's father became the first person to climb Mount Kennedy, solidifying the Kennedy family's connection to the peak.
1968: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
In 1968, when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was 14, his father was assassinated while running for president.
June 1972: Graduation from Palfrey Street School
In June 1972, Kennedy graduated from the Palfrey Street School.
1974: Kennedy writes "Poor Chile"
In 1974, Kennedy wrote an Atlantic Monthly article titled "Poor Chile" which discussed the overthrow of Chilean president Salvador Allende.
1975: First descent of the Apurimac River
In 1975, Kennedy organized and led a "first-descent" whitewater expedition to the Apurimac River in Peru, which was previously unexplored.
1975: Kennedy criticizes assassination as 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 wrote an article about the 1975 Martha Moxley Murder.
1976: Partner at Utopian whitewater company
In 1976, Kennedy became a partner and guide at Utopian, a whitewater company based in West Forks, Maine. He gained experience in whitewater expeditions.
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.
1979: First descent of the Atrato River
In 1979, Kennedy organized and led a "first-descent" whitewater expedition to the Atrato River in Colombia, which was previously unexplored.
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: Beginning of Republican Hostility Towards Environment
In 2020, Kennedy stated that since 1980, the Republican party has shown growing hostility towards the environment.
June 1981: Anti-Nuclear Rally at 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: Continued involvement with Utopian
Kennedy continued to work as a partner and guide at the Utopian whitewater company until 1981, gaining further experience in whitewater expeditions.
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, marking the beginning of their marriage.
1982: Graduation from University of Virginia School of Law
In 1982, Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
1982: First descent of the Caroni River
In 1982, Kennedy organized and led a "first-descent" whitewater expedition to the Caroni River in Venezuela, which was previously unexplored.
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: Arrested for Heroin Possession
On September 16, 1983, Kennedy was charged with heroin possession in Rapid City, South Dakota.
February 1984: Pleaded Guilty to 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 the New York Bar
After being admitted to the New York bar in 1985, Riverkeeper hired him as senior attorney.
1985: Kennedy develops international program for NRDC
Starting in 1985, Kennedy helped develop the international program for environmental, energy, and human rights of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), assisting indigenous tribes in protecting their homelands.
1986: Adjunct Professor at Pace University
In 1986, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 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: Authored New York State's examination to qualify apprentice falconers
In 1987, Kennedy authored New York State's examination to qualify apprentice falconers while on Governor Mario Cuomo's New York State Falconry Advising Committee.
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 University's Environmental Litigation Clinic.
1987: Founded Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University
In 1987, Kennedy founded the Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law, where he served as supervising attorney and co-director for three decades.
1987: Kennedy sues Westchester County
In 1987, Kennedy successfully sued Westchester County to reopen Croton Point Park, primarily used by poor and minority communities. He also forced the reopening of Pelham Bay Park.
1988: President of the New York State Falconry Association
From 1988 to 1991, Kennedy was president of the New York State Falconry Association.
1989: Vaccine conspiracy theories
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 beginning in 1989.
1990: Kennedy assists Pehuenches in Chile
In 1990, Kennedy assisted indigenous Pehuenches in Chile in a partially successful campaign to stop the construction of a series of dams on Chile's Biobío River.
1991: Representing 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: President of the New York State Falconry Association
From 1988 to 1991, Kennedy was president of the New York State Falconry Association.
1992: Kennedy assists Cree Indians against Hydro-Québec
Beginning in 1992, Kennedy assisted the Cree Indians of northern Quebec in their campaign against Hydro-Québec to halt construction of proposed dams on rivers in James Bay.
1992: Separation from Emily Ruth Black
In 1992, Kennedy and Emily Ruth Black separated, signaling the end of their marriage.
1993: Kennedy works with Vancouver Island Indian tribes
From 1993 to 1999, Kennedy worked with five Vancouver Island Indian tribes in their campaign to end industrial logging by MacMillan Bloedel in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia.
1993: Kennedy clashes with environmental groups over indigenous rights in Ecuador
In 1993, Kennedy 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 the CONFENIAE in negotiation with Conoco.
1993: Early descent of the Great Whale River
In 1993, Kennedy made an early descent of the Great Whale River in northern Quebec, Canada, showcasing his continued interest in whitewater expeditions.
April 15, 1994: Marriage to Mary Kathleen Richardson
On April 15, 1994, Kennedy married architect and designer Mary Kathleen Richardson, a close friend of his sister Kerry, aboard a research vessel on the Hudson River.
1995: Advocacy for Repeal of Environmental Legislation
In 1995, Kennedy advocated for the repeal of legislation that he considered unfriendly to the environment.
1995: Declared Persona Non Grata in Alberta
In 1995, Premier Ralph Klein of Alberta declared Kennedy persona non grata due to his activism against Alberta's large-scale hog production facilities.
1995: Conviction of William Wegner
In 1995, William Wegner, whom Kennedy rehired in 2000, was convicted for tax fraud, perjury, and conspiracy to violate wildlife protection laws.
1996: New York City Watershed Agreement
In 1996, Kennedy helped orchestrate the $1.2 billion New York City Watershed Agreement.
1996: Kennedy meets with Fidel Castro
In 1996, Kennedy met with Cuban president Fidel Castro to persuade him to halt his plans to construct a nuclear power plant at Juraguá.
1997: Co-authored "The Riverkeepers"
In 1997, Kennedy worked with John Cronin to write "The Riverkeepers", a history of the early Riverkeepers and a primer for the Waterkeeper movement.
June 1999: Founded the Waterkeeper Alliance
In June 1999, Kennedy and other Riverkeepers founded the Waterkeeper Alliance in Southampton, Long Island.
1999: Kennedy works with Vancouver Island Indian tribes
From 1993 to 1999, Kennedy worked with five Vancouver Island Indian tribes in their campaign to end industrial logging by MacMillan Bloedel in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia.
1999: Kennedy creates Keeper Springs bottled water company
In 1999, Kennedy, Chris Bartle, and John Hoving created Keeper Springs, a bottled water company that donated all of its profits to Waterkeeper Alliance.
1999: Founded Waterkeeper Alliance
In 1999, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. founded the nonprofit environmental group Waterkeeper Alliance.
2000: Lawsuits against 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: Featured in "The Waterkeepers" Film
In 2000, Kennedy and his environmental work were the focus of the film "The Waterkeepers", directed by Les Guthman.
2000: Kennedy assists local activists in the Bahamas
In 2000, Kennedy assisted local environmental activists to stop a large hotel and resort development at Clifton Bay, New Providence Island, arguing that it threatened coral reefs and public beaches.
2000: Kennedy considers running for U.S. Senate
In 2000, Kennedy considered running for political office when Daniel Patrick Moynihan did not seek reelection to the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Kennedy's father.
2000: Endorsement of Al Gore
In 2000, Kennedy endorsed and campaigned for Vice President Al Gore during his presidential campaign and opposed Ralph Nader's Green Party campaign.
2000: Rehiring of William Wegner
In 2000, Kennedy insisted on rehiring William Wegner, leading to resignations from Riverkeeper's board.
2000: Kennedy considered for White House Council chair
In the 2000s, Kennedy was considered for top environmental jobs in Democratic administrations, including being considered as a potential chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality for Al Gore in 2000.
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.
2001: Challenging Pollution from Industrial Pork and Poultry Production
In 2001, Kennedy & Madonna organized a team to challenge pollution from industrial pork and poultry production.
2001: Kennedy's personal journal
In 2001, Kennedy wrote in a personal journal in which he recorded sexual encounters with 37 different women.
2001: Thimerosal Removed From Most Childhood Vaccines
In 2001, thimerosal was removed from all childhood vaccines (under 6 years old) except for a few versions of flu and hepatitis vaccines.
2001: "Clean Coal is a Deadly Lie" Campaign Launched
In 2001, under Kennedy's leadership, Waterkeeper launched its "Clean Coal is a Deadly Lie" campaign, bringing dozens of lawsuits targeting mining practices.
2001: Kennedy sues U.S. Navy on behalf of Vieques residents
In a 2001 article, Kennedy described how he sued the U.S. Navy on behalf of fishermen and residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico, to stop weapons testing. Kennedy was arrested for trespassing and served 30 days in prison. His efforts contributed to the termination of naval bombing in Vieques.
2001: Kennedy's dietary habits before 2001
Kennedy had eaten dog, horse, and guinea pig meat before 2001.
2002: Smithfield Foods Lawsuit in Poland
In 2002, Smithfield Foods sued Kennedy in Poland after he criticized the company before the Polish parliament.
2003: Criticism of Bush's Environmental Policies
In 2003, Kennedy criticized President George W. Bush's environmental and energy policies, including the hydrogen car initiative, and wrote an article in Rolling Stone about Bush's environmental record.
2003: Article on Martha Moxley Murder
In 2003, Kennedy published an article in The Atlantic Monthly insisting on Michael Skakel's innocence in the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley.
2003: Kennedy calls U.S. government "America's biggest polluter"
In a 2003 article for the Chicago Tribune, Kennedy called the U.S. federal government "America's biggest polluter" and the U.S. Department of Defense the worst offender.
2003: Article on Factory Farms
In a 2003 article, Kennedy argued that 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.
2004: Endorsement of John Kerry and Fraudulent Election Claims
In 2004, Kennedy endorsed John Kerry, then wrote an article claiming the election was stolen from Kerry due to discrepancies in swing states.
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, reflecting his deep Catholic faith.
2004: Featured in "Indian Point: Imagining the Unimaginable"
In 2004, Kennedy was featured in the documentary "Indian Point: Imagining the Unimaginable" about the Indian Point nuclear-power plant, directed by his sister Rory Kennedy.
2004: Publication of "Crimes Against Nature"
In 2004, Kennedy wrote the book "Crimes Against Nature".
2004: Kennedy considered for EPA administrator
In the 2000s, Kennedy was considered for top environmental jobs in Democratic administrations, including being considered for the role of EPA administrator under John Kerry in 2004.
2004: Alleged Stolen Presidential Election
Kennedy wrote an article alleging the presidential election was stolen in 2004.
June 2005: Kennedy's Article "Deadly Immunity" Published with Errors
In June 2005, Kennedy's article, "Deadly Immunity", was published in Rolling Stone and Salon.com, alleging a government conspiracy related to thimerosal and autism, but it contained factual errors, leading to corrections and criticism.
2005: Kennedy opposes Cape Wind Project
In 2005, Kennedy clashed with national environmental groups over his opposition to the Cape Wind Project, a proposed offshore wind farm in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He argued the project was a costly boondoggle, angering some environmentalists and drawing criticism.
2005: Kennedy considers running for New York Attorney General
In 2005, Kennedy considered running for New York Attorney General in the 2006 election, potentially against his then-brother-in-law Andrew Cuomo, but ultimately chose not to.
2005: Described as devout Catholic
In 2005, Kennedy was described by journalist Michael Paulson as "a deeply devout Catholic who attends daily Mass".
2005: Kennedy decries 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.
2005: Promotion of Vaccine Misinformation
Since 2005, Kennedy has promoted vaccine misinformation and public-health conspiracy theories, including the scientifically disproved claim of a causal link between vaccines and autism.
June 2006: Article on the 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: Kennedy considers running for New York Attorney General
In 2005, Kennedy considered running for New York Attorney General in the 2006 election, potentially against his then-brother-in-law Andrew Cuomo, but ultimately chose not to.
2007: Finalist for "Trial Lawyer of the Year"
In 2007, Kennedy was a finalist for "Trial Lawyer of the Year" for his role in the $396 million jury verdict against DuPont.
2007: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
In late 2007, Kennedy and his sisters endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
December 2, 2008: Kennedy declines consideration for U.S. Senate seat
On December 2, 2008, Kennedy said he did not want New York Governor David Paterson to nominate him to the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Hillary Clinton, citing family reasons.
2008: Campaigning for Obama and EPA Consideration
After the 2008 Democratic Convention, Kennedy campaigned for Obama. After the election, the Obama administration considered Kennedy for administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, but felt he was unlikely to win Senate confirmation.
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: Kennedy considered for EPA administrator
In the 2000s, Kennedy was considered for top environmental jobs in Democratic administrations, including being considered for the role of EPA administrator under Barack Obama in 2008.
April 2, 2009: Rolling Stone's "100 Agents of Change"
On April 2, 2009, Kennedy was recognized as one of Rolling Stone's "100 Agents of Change" for his opposition to the Bush administration's environmental policies.
2009: Kennedy references alleged WikiLeaks disclosures on Syria pipeline dispute
In February 2016, Kennedy cited apparent WikiLeaks disclosures alleging that the CIA led military and intelligence planners to foment a Sunni uprising against Syria's president following his rejection of a proposed Qatar-Turkey pipeline through Syria in 2009.
May 12, 2010: Filing for Divorce from Richardson
On May 12, 2010, Kennedy filed for divorce from Richardson, indicating the end of their marriage.
2010: Picture of Kennedy holding charred animal carcass captured
A picture of Kennedy holding a charred animal carcass was captured in 2010.
2010: Profiled in "Mann v. Ford" Documentary
In 2010, Kennedy & Madonna was profiled in the HBO documentary "Mann v. Ford" about litigation against Ford for dumping toxic waste on tribal lands.
2010: Experiencing Memory Loss and Mental Fog
In 2010, Kennedy began experiencing severe short- and long-term memory loss and mental fog, affecting his cognitive abilities.
2010: ExxonMobil Cleanup of Newtown Creek
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: Atrazine Study Cited
In a June 2023 podcast, Kennedy cited a 2010 study by Hayes that claims that acute atrazine exposure causes chemical castration and feminization in frogs, leading some to become hermaphrodites.
October 2011: Kennedy co-founds EcoWatch
In October 2011, Kennedy co-founded EcoWatch, an environmental news site.
May 16, 2012: Death of Mary Kathleen Richardson
On May 16, 2012, Richardson was found dead in a building on the grounds of her home in Bedford, New York, with the cause of death ruled as suicide due to asphyxiation from hanging.
October 2012: Criticism of Congress on Environmental Issues
During an October 2012 interview, Kennedy urged environmentalists to focus their dissatisfaction on Congress, accusing politicians of serving special interests and criticizing the Koch brothers.
2012: Began dating Cheryl Hines
In 2012, Kennedy began dating the actress Cheryl Hines, marking the start of their relationship.
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.
2012: Whale Head Incident Described by Daughter
In 2012, Kennedy's daughter described an incident where Kennedy used a chainsaw to sever the head of a dead beached whale and transported it on their minivan, sparking public reaction.
2012: Neurological Issues Attributed to Worm and Mercury Poisoning
In a 2012 divorce court deposition, Kennedy attributed neurological issues to "a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died", in addition to mercury poisoning from eating large quantities of tuna.
January 11, 2013: Remarks on JFK Assassination
On January 11, 2013, Kennedy stated that his father believed Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone in the assassination of John F. Kennedy and that the Warren Commission report was a shoddy piece of craftsmanship.
February 2013: Kennedy arrested protesting Keystone XL Pipeline
In February 2013, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with his son, Conor, was arrested for blocking a thoroughfare in front of the White House during a protest against the Keystone XL Pipeline.
May 2013: Kennedy Delivers Keynote Address at Anti-Vaccination Conference
In May 2013, Kennedy delivered the keynote address at the anti-vaccination AutismOne / Generation Rescue conference.
2013: Kennedy helps engineer a ban on fracking in New York State
In 2013, as a member of Governor Andrew Cuomo's fracking commission, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 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, marking the beginning of their marriage.
October 2014: Dead Bear Incident in Central Park
In October 2014, Kennedy placed a dead six-month-old bear in Central Park after initially planning to skin it for meat.
2014: People's Climate March Remarks
During the 2014 People's Climate March, Kennedy criticized the Koch brothers' financial influence on climate policy.
2014: Kennedy's Book on Thimerosal Published
In 2014, Kennedy's book "Thimerosal: Let the Science Speak" was published, promoting the discredited claim of harm from thimerosal in vaccines.
April 2015: Kennedy Participates in Speakers' Forum Promoting "Trace Amounts"
In April 2015, Kennedy participated in a Speakers' Forum to promote the film "Trace Amounts", which promotes the discredited claim of a link between autism and mercury in vaccinations. At a screening, he called the increased cases of autism a "holocaust".
2015: Kennedy Joins Children's Health Defense
In 2015, Kennedy joined the Children's Health Defense (formerly known as the World Mercury Project), an anti-vaccine advocacy group. The group alleges that exposure to certain chemicals and radiation has caused a wide range of conditions in many American children.
2015: Visit to Mount Kennedy and Alsek River
In 2015, Kennedy visited Mount Kennedy with two of his sons and ran the Alsek River, a whitewater river fed by the Alsek Glacier, continuing his adventurous pursuits.
2015: National Effort Against Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities
In 2015, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mounted a national effort against the construction of liquefied natural gas facilities.
August 2016: Dakota Access Pipeline Protests
In August 2016, Kennedy and Waterkeepers participated in protests to block the extension of the Dakota Access pipeline across the Sioux Indian Standing Rock Reservation's water supply.
2016: Kennedy becomes counsel to Morgan & Morgan
In 2016, Kennedy became counsel to the Morgan & Morgan law firm, after the firms' successful collaboration on the case against SoCalGas Company following the Aliso Canyon gas leak in California.
2016: Comments on Donald Trump's Supporters
In 2016, Kennedy called supporters of Donald Trump "belligerent idiots" and suggested some were "outright Nazis," also characterizing Trump as a "bully".
2016: "Framed: Why Michael Skakel Spent over a Decade in Prison for a Murder He Didn't Commit" Release
In 2016, Kennedy released the book "Framed: Why Michael Skakel Spent over a Decade in Prison for a Murder He Didn't Commit".
2016: Kennedy speaks on environmental pollution and poverty
In 2016, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at the South by Southwest environment conference, discussing how poor communities disproportionately bear the burden of environmental pollution.
2016: Endesa relinquishes claims to the Futaleufú River
In 2016, due to pressure from the Futaleufú Riverkeepers campaign, the Spanish power company Endesa reversed its decision and relinquished all claims to the Futaleufú River, after Kennedy helped lead the opposition to damming it.
January 10, 2017: Kennedy Meets with President-Elect Trump
On January 10, 2017, Kennedy met with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss a position in the administration, reportedly accepting an offer to chair a Vaccine Safety Task Force.
February 15, 2017: Kennedy and Robert De Niro Host Press Conference on Vaccination Science
On February 15, 2017, Kennedy and Robert De Niro hosted a press conference offering a reward for a study proving the safety of mercury in vaccines, a challenge deemed "not science" by experts.
June 2017: Remarks on Oil Industry Strategy
In a June 2017 interview, Kennedy discussed the oil industry's strategy to build as many miles of pipeline as possible to prevent the country from transitioning away from oil.
August 2017: Kennedy Discusses Vaccine Safety with Federal Regulators
In August 2017, Kennedy discussed vaccine safety with federal public health regulators at the White House's request.
October 5, 2017: Vionx completes installation of advanced flow batteries
On October 5, 2017, Vionx, National Grid, and the U.S. Department of Energy completed the installation of advanced flow batteries at Holy Name High School in Worcester, Massachusetts, with Kennedy on the board of Vionx.
December 2017: Meeting with Sirhan Sirhan and Support for Reinvestigation
In December 2017, Kennedy met with Sirhan Sirhan and expressed support for a reinvestigation of the assassination of his father, Robert F. Kennedy.
2017: "Framed" Television Series Option
In 2017, FX Productions optioned the rights to Kennedy's book "Framed" to develop a multi-part television series.
2017: $670 Million Settlement Against DuPont
In 2017, Kennedy & Madonna secured a $670 million settlement on behalf of residents whose drinking water was contaminated by DuPont.
2017: Kennedy sues Monsanto
In 2017, Kennedy and his partners sued Monsanto in federal court in San Francisco, on behalf of plaintiffs seeking to recover damages for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases allegedly resulting from exposure to Roundup. They also filed a class action lawsuit against Monsanto for failing to warn consumers about the dangers of Roundup.
2017: Advocated for Renewable Energy Replacement
In 2017, Kennedy argued that the electricity provided by the Indian Point nuclear-power plant could be fully replaced by renewable energy.
2017: Resigned from Riverkeeper
In 2017, Kennedy resigned from Riverkeeper.
January 2018: Kennedy resigns from EcoWatch board of directors
In January 2018, Kennedy resigned from the board of directors of EcoWatch.
September 2018: Kennedy files class-action lawsuit against Columbia Gas
In September 2018, Kennedy 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 ignoring its existing infrastructure.
2018: Skakel's Conviction Vacated
In 2018, Michael Skakel's conviction was vacated.
2018: Children's Health Defense Buys Anti-Vaccine Facebook Advertising
In late 2018, Children's Health Defense, chaired by Kennedy, was identified as a major buyer of anti-vaccine Facebook advertising.
May 8, 2019: Kennedy family members denounce his anti-vaccine stance
On May 8, 2019, Maeve Kennedy McKean, Kathleen Kennedy, and Joseph Kennedy wrote an open letter denouncing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccination activities and spreading of misinformation.
June 4, 2019: Kennedy Appears in Photo with Anti-Vaccine Activist in Samoa
On June 4, 2019, Kennedy appeared in an Instagram photo with an anti-vaccine activist in Samoa, perpetuating false claims about the MMR vaccine's role in infant deaths.
2019: Kennedy Listed as Executive Producer of Anti-Vaccination Film
In 2019, Kennedy is listed as executive producer of Vaxxed II: The People's Truth, the sequel to an anti-vaccination propaganda film.
2019: Comparison Year for Carbon Emissions
In 2019, before the start of the closure of the Indian Point nuclear-power plant, carbon emissions were compared to 2022, after the plant's closure.
2019: Children's Health Defense Buys Anti-Vaccine Facebook Advertising
In early 2019, Children's Health Defense, chaired by Kennedy, was identified as a major buyer of anti-vaccine Facebook advertising.
August 2020: Kennedy Promotes COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories in Interview with Alec Baldwin
In August 2020, Kennedy appeared in an interview with Alec Baldwin and promoted false and misleading claims about vaccines and public health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 29, 2020: Kennedy speaks at Berlin demonstration
On August 29, 2020, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at a demonstration in Berlin that called for an end to COVID-19 restrictions.
November 2020: Resigned as Waterkeeper Alliance President
In November 2020, Kennedy resigned as the Waterkeeper Alliance presidency.
December 30, 2020: Kerry Kennedy Meltzer writes open letter about vaccine misinformation
On December 30, 2020, Kerry Kennedy Meltzer, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s niece, wrote an open letter criticizing him for publishing misinformation about COVID-19 vaccine side effects.
2020: Kennedy Appears in Online Conversations with Anti-Vaccination Activists
In 2020, Kennedy appeared in online conversations with anti-vaccination activists and conspiracy theorists.
2020: Support for the Green New Deal
In 2020, Kennedy stated his support for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal resolution, advocating for market-based mechanisms like carbon taxes.
2020: Kennedy's Social Media Influence Grows
In 2020, Kennedy's conspiracy theory activities increased his social media impact considerably, with his Instagram account growing from 121,000 followers to 454,000 between spring and fall.
2020: Kennedy wrote foreword to Plague of Corruption
In 2020, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote the foreword to "Plague of Corruption", a book by Judy Mikovits, an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist and former research scientist.
2020: No New Trial for Skakel
In 2020, prosecutors decided not to seek a new trial for Michael Skakel.
2020: Criticism of Trump's Environmental Policies
In a 2020 interview, Kennedy described President Trump's environmental policies as a "cataclysm," linking them to a long-term trend in the Republican Party of hostility toward the environment.
February 2021: Kennedy's Instagram Account Blocked for Spreading COVID-19 Misinformation
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 for Sharing Debunked Claims
In February 2021, Kennedy's Instagram account was deleted for "repeatedly sharing debunked claims" about COVID-19 vaccines.
March 2021: Children's Health Defense releases anti-vaccine video
In March 2021, Children's Health Defense, with Kennedy's involvement, released "Medical Racism: The New Apartheid", an anti-vaccine propaganda video promoting COVID-19 conspiracy theories and claiming that COVID-19 vaccination efforts are medical experiments on Black people.
March 2021: Kennedy Identified as Major Source of Anti-Vaccine Content on Facebook and Twitter
In March 2021, Kennedy was identified as one of 12 people responsible for up to 65% of anti-vaccine content on Facebook and Twitter.
May 2021: Kennedy Petitions FDA to Rescind Authorization for COVID Vaccines
In May 2021, Kennedy petitioned the FDA to rescind authorization for all current and future COVID vaccines, a request criticized by immunology experts.
September 2021: YouTube removes Kennedy's account
In September 2021, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s YouTube account was removed for violating the platform's policies on vaccine misinformation.
November 2021: Kennedy's Book The Real Anthony Fauci Published
In November 2021, Kennedy's book The Real Anthony Fauci was published, alleging conspiracies involving Fauci, Bill Gates, and the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing strong criticism and rebuttals.
2021: Publication of "The Real Anthony Fauci"
In 2021, Kennedy wrote the book "The Real Anthony Fauci".
2021: Kennedy cites study on COVID-19 racial disparities
In 2021, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited a study to support his claims about COVID-19 disproportionately affecting certain races, which experts criticized as misrepresenting the study's findings and promoting racist ideas.
January 23, 2022: Kennedy makes controversial Anne Frank comparison
On January 23, 2022, at an anti-vaccination rally in Washington D.C., Robert F. Kennedy Jr. compared the situation to Nazi Germany, referencing Anne Frank, which was widely condemned.
2022: Publication of "A Letter to Liberals"
In 2022, Kennedy wrote the book "A Letter to Liberals".
2022: Increase in Carbon Emissions after Plant 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: Kennedy considers a run for president
On March 3, 2023, Kennedy said in a speech in New Hampshire that he was considering a run for president in 2024, noting that his wife had "greenlighted it."
April 5, 2023: Kennedy files candidacy for Democratic presidential nomination
On April 5, 2023, Kennedy filed his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.
May 2023: Support for Agrarian Movements
In May 2023, Kennedy voiced his support for agrarian movements, emphasizing the importance of broad land ownership for a healthy democracy.
June 2023: Atrazine and Gender Dysphoria Claims
During a June 2023 podcast, Kennedy suggested a link between atrazine contamination in the water supply and issues like gender dysphoria, prompting criticism and removal of the interview from YouTube.
June 2023: Instagram reinstates Kennedy's account
In June 2023, Instagram reinstated Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s account.
June 2023: Kennedy advocates for reducing U.S. military presence
In a June 2023 interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that U.S. foreign relations should involve significantly reducing the military presence in other nations, calling to "start unraveling the Empire" by closing U.S. bases worldwide.
July 2023: Kennedy States No Vaccine is Safe and Effective
In July 2023, Kennedy stated, "There's no vaccine that is safe and effective", a shift from his previous stance of advocating for safer vaccines.
July 2023: Kennedy makes claim about COVID-19 targeting ethnic groups
In July 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was recorded claiming that COVID-19 is "ethnically targeted" to attack Caucasians and Black people, while Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people are more immune, sparking widespread condemnation and accusations of antisemitism and Sinophobia.
August 2023: Mellon donates to Kennedy's super PAC
In August 2023, it was revealed that Timothy Mellon, also a donor to Donald Trump's super PAC, had donated $5 million to Kennedy's super PAC, making him Kennedy's largest single donor.
November 2023: Petition for Release of JFK Assassination Documents
In November 2023, Kennedy launched a petition for the Biden administration to release the remaining documents related to the JFK assassination.
December 2023: Kennedy defends Israel in heated exchange
In December 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended Israel in an exchange with Krystal Ball on Breaking Points during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war.
2023: Kennedy claims to be the 'leading environmentalist in the country'
In 2023, Kennedy claimed he was "arguably the leading environmentalist in the country", promoting populist and anti-establishment environmental policies.
2023: Views on Nuclear Energy
In 2023, Kennedy reiterated his opposition to conventional nuclear power, arguing it's unsafe and not economically competitive and is driven by corporate lobbyists.
2023: PolitiFact names Kennedy's presidential campaign "lie of the year"
In 2023, PolitiFact named Kennedy's presidential campaign its "lie of the year", citing numerous false conspiracy theories he used during campaign appearances.
2023: Kennedy discusses the erosion of the middle class
In a 2023 interview with UnHerd, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed the "systematic" erosion of the American middle class, attributing it to the enrichment of billionaires and corporate power.
January 2024: Kennedy Publishes Podcast About Lyme Disease
In January 2024, Kennedy published a podcast claiming Lyme disease is "highly likely to have been a military weapon" developed at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, a claim widely debunked.
May 2024: Kennedy loses Libertarian Party nomination
In May 2024, Kennedy was considered for the Libertarian Party's nomination for president, but lost to Chase Oliver.
July 2024: Forbes reports Mellon donated millions to Kennedy
In July 2024, Forbes reported that Timothy Mellon had donated $25 million to Kennedy and Kennedy-affiliated groups.
July 2024: Allegations of Sexual Misconduct with Eliza Cooney
In July 2024, Vanity Fair reported allegations that in the late 1990s Kennedy engaged in sexual misconduct with Eliza Cooney, a part-time babysitter. Kennedy denied the allegations, calling the Vanity Fair piece "a lot of garbage", but apologized for anything he might have done to make her feel uncomfortable.
July 2024: Image of Kennedy holding charred animal carcass Surfaces
In July 2024, an image of Kennedy holding a charred animal carcass captured in 2010 surfaced, sparking controversy over whether it was a dog and whether Kennedy ate it. Kennedy denied eating dog meat, claiming it was a goat.
August 2024: Belief in "Chemtrails"
In August 2024, Kennedy posted about stopping the "crime" of chemtrails after he endorsed Trump for president.
August 2024: Release of Video Acknowledging Dead Bear Incident
In August 2024, Kennedy released a video acknowledging that in October 2014 he placed a dead six-month-old bear in Central Park, sparking controversy.
September 2024: Relationship with Olivia Nuzzi Reported
In September 2024, it was reported that Olivia Nuzzi, a reporter covering Kennedy's presidential campaign, had a relationship with Kennedy, described as personal but not physical.
September 2024: Investigation of Whale Head Incident
In September 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement announced it was investigating a 2012 incident involving Kennedy and a whale head.
October 2024: Raw Milk Advocacy
In October 2024, Kennedy accused the FDA of "aggressive suppression'' of raw milk.
December 2024: Nobel Laureates urge Senate to oppose Kennedy's nomination
In December 2024, more than 75 Nobel Laureates urged the U.S. Senate to oppose Kennedy's nomination, saying he would "put the public's health in jeopardy".
December 16, 2024: Kennedy begins meeting with senators
During the week of December 16, 2024, Kennedy began meeting with senators in advance of his confirmation hearings.
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 started an independent campaign in the United States presidential election, before withdrawing from the race and endorsing Republican nominee Donald Trump.
2024: Clarification on Endocrine Disruptors and Gender Dysphoria
In 2024, after media criticism, Kennedy's campaign clarified that he was not claiming endocrine disruptors were the sole cause of gender dysphoria, but rather proposing further research.
2024: Trump intends to nominate Kennedy for HHS secretary
In 2024, days before the United States presidential election, Donald Trump said that Kennedy would have "a big role in health care". After winning the election, Trump announced his intention to nominate Kennedy for secretary of health and human services (HHS).
2024: Kennedy considers a run for president
On March 3, 2023, Kennedy said in a speech in New Hampshire that he was considering a run for president in 2024, noting that his wife had "greenlighted it."
January 9, 2025: Doctors urge Senate to oppose Kennedy's nomination
As of January 9, 2025, over 17,000 doctors who are members of Committee to Protect Health Care, had signed an open letter urging the Senate to oppose Kennedy's nomination, citing concerns about his views on vaccines and public health.
January 2025: Senate committees hold 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 Kennedy's nomination.
January 24, 2025: Organizations voice opposition to Kennedy's nomination
As of January 24, 2025, more than 80 organizations had voiced opposition to Kennedy's nomination for HHS secretary.
January 28, 2025: Caroline Kennedy denounces Robert Kennedy Jr.
On January 28, 2025, Caroline Kennedy publicly denounced Bobby Kennedy in a letter she sent U.S. senators and in a video of her reading the letter, calling him a "predator" and a "hypocrite".
February 4, 2025: Senate Committee Advances Kennedy's Nomination
On February 4, 2025, the Senate Committee on Finance voted 14–13 to forward Kennedy's nomination to a full Senate vote, with Bill Cassidy's deciding vote coming after "serious commitments" from the Trump administration.
February 13, 2025: Senate Confirms Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services
On February 13, 2025, the Senate confirmed Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services by a vote of 52 to 48. Mitch McConnell voted against, citing concerns about Kennedy's views on vaccines.
February 2025: Measles Outbreak in West Texas
In February 2025, a measles outbreak in West Texas resulted in a child's death, the second such U.S. fatality since 2003, leading to criticism of anti-vaxxers like RFK Jr.
February 20, 2025: HHS Instructs CDC to Suspend Flu Vaccination Ad Campaign
On February 20, 2025, amidst a severe flu season, HHS instructed the CDC to suspend their ad campaign promoting flu vaccination.
2025: Appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services
In 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became the 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
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