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., an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, and member of the Kennedy family, is the son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy. He currently serves as the 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. RFK Jr. is also known for his anti-vaccine activism and promotion of conspiracy theories.

Sections (6)

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

1987: Sued Westchester County to Reopen Croton Point Park

In 1987, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. successfully sued Westchester County to reopen Croton Point Park, used primarily by poor and minority communities. He later forced the reopening of Pelham Bay Park after it was converted into a police firing range.

1996: Helped Halt Mitsubishi's Salt Facility Proposal

Between 1996, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 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. Kennedy wrote in opposition and campaigned in Japan, meeting with Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi.

1996: Orchestrated $1.2 Billion New York City Watershed Agreement

In 1996, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. helped orchestrate the $1.2 billion New York City Watershed Agreement.

2000: Assisted in Stopping Hotel and Resort Development 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.

April 11, 2001: Received Men's Journal "Heroes" Award

On April 11, 2001, Men's Journal gave Robert F. Kennedy Jr. its "Heroes" Award for creating the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic.

2004: Secured $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.

2007: Nominated as "Trial Lawyer of the Year"

In 2007, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was nominated as "Trial Lawyer of the Year" by Public Justice for his role in a $396 million jury verdict against DuPont for contamination from its Spelter, West Virginia, zinc plant.

April 2, 2009: Recognition as one of 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.

2010: Pace Lawsuit Forced ExxonMobil Cleanup

In 2010, a Pace University lawsuit forced ExxonMobil to clean up tens of millions of gallons of oil from legacy refinery spills in Newtown Creek in Brooklyn.

2016: Endesa Relinquished Claims to the Futaleufú River

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 Futaleufú River, reversed its decision and relinquished all claims to the river. Kennedy helped lead the opposition to the damming.

2017: Secured Settlement for Water Contamination

In 2017, Kennedy's firm secured a $670 million settlement for over 3,000 residents from Ohio and West Virginia whose drinking water was contaminated by perfluorooctanoic acid released by DuPont into the environment in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

February 4, 2025: Senate Committee Votes to Forward 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, originally hesitant, provided the deciding vote after receiving commitments from the Trump administration and counsel from Vice President JD Vance.

February 13, 2025: Senate Confirms Kennedy as Secretary of Health

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 Kennedy, criticizing efforts to revoke the polio vaccine approval.