Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.