Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Robert F. Kennedy

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Robert F. Kennedy.

Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was a significant figure in American politics and law. He served as the 64th United States Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 and as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. At the time of his death, he was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. A prominent member of the Democratic Party alongside his brothers John and Ted, RFK is remembered as an icon of modern American liberalism.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

September 1959: Kennedy Leaves McClellan Committee

In September 1959, Robert F. Kennedy departed from the McClellan Committee to manage his brother's presidential campaign. During his time, he faced criticism for his anger and doubts regarding those invoking the Fifth Amendment, while Senators Goldwater and Mundt accused the "Kennedy boys" of hijacking the committee to target Hoffa and the Teamsters.

1960: Kennedy Addresses Anti-Catholicism

In 1960, Robert F. Kennedy encountered anti-Catholicism during his brother's presidential campaign and stated, "Anti-Catholicism is the anti-semitism of the intellectuals."

1960: Appointment as U.S. Attorney General

In 1960, after the presidential election, John F. Kennedy appointed his brother, Robert Kennedy, as U.S. Attorney General. This decision sparked controversy due to concerns of nepotism and Robert's lack of legal experience, despite his brother's insistence.

November 1961: Operation Mongoose

In November 1961, Robert Kennedy served as the president's personal representative in Operation Mongoose, a covert program established after the Bay of Pigs Invasion to incite revolution in Cuba and lead to Castro's downfall.

1961: Handling of Complaints Filed by King

Between 1961 and 1963, the administration decided that a number of complaints Martin Luther King Jr. filed with the Justice Department be handled "through negotiation between the city commission and Negro citizens".

February 1962: Hoover Alleges Communist Ties of King's Confidants

In February 1962, J. Edgar Hoover presented Robert Kennedy with allegations that some of Martin Luther King Jr.'s close confidants and advisors were communists, leading to FBI monitoring of King.

May 7, 1962: Briefing on CIA plot against Castro

On May 7, 1962, Robert Kennedy was briefed on an earlier plot involving the CIA's use of Mafia bosses Sam Giancana and John Roselli and directed the CIA to halt any existing efforts directed at Castro's assassination.

1962: Hoffa's Claim of Kennedy's Ejection

In 1962, it was leaked that Jimmy Hoffa claimed to a Teamster local that Robert Kennedy had been "bodily" removed from his office, a statement confirmed by a Teamster press agent.

May 24, 1963: Private Meeting with Black Delegation

On May 24, 1963, Robert Kennedy held a private meeting in New York City with a black delegation coordinated by James Baldwin in an attempt to better understand and improve race relations. The meeting became antagonistic and reached no consensus.

October 1963: Kennedy Authorizes Wiretapping of King

In October 1963, Robert Kennedy issued a written directive authorizing the FBI to wiretap Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the SCLC, King's civil rights organization.

1965: Criticism of Dominican Republic Intervention

In 1965, Robert F. Kennedy criticized U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic, arguing that President Johnson had abandoned the reform aims of President Kennedy's Alliance for Progress.

January 31, 1966: Kennedy's Speech on the Senate Floor

On January 31, 1966, Kennedy said in a speech on the Senate floor: "If we regard bombing as the answer in Vietnam, we are headed straight for disaster."

February 1966: Kennedy Releases Peace Plan

In February 1966, Robert F. Kennedy released a peace plan calling for preserving South Vietnam while allowing the National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) to join a coalition government in Saigon. This was seen as a break with President Johnson's policies.

June 1966: Continuation of King Wiretapping

The wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr., authorized by Robert Kennedy in October 1963, continued through June 1966.

1967: Kennedy's Vietnam Discussions and Policy Disagreements

In 1967, Robert F. Kennedy traveled to Europe to discuss Vietnam with leaders, leading to President Johnson believing Kennedy was undermining his authority. On March 2, 1967, Kennedy outlined a three-point plan to end the war, which was rejected. On November 26, 1967, he publicly contrasted the Johnson administration's Vietnam policies with those of his brother, marking his first time distinguishing between the two administrations' approaches to the war.

1967: Six-Day War

In 1967, the Six-Day War took place. Robert Kennedy's support for Israel following the war was the motive for his assassination in 1968.

February 8, 1968: Kennedy Critiques Saigon Government Corruption in Chicago Address

On February 8, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy delivered an address in Chicago where he critiqued Saigon "government corruption" and disagreed with the Johnson administration's view on the Vietnam war determining Asia's future.

1968: Revelation of Wiretapping

In 1968, days before Robert Kennedy's death, the wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr. was revealed.

2007: Release of the "Family Jewels" documents

In 2007, the CIA declassified the "Family Jewels" documents, which suggest that before the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Robert Kennedy personally authorized one assassination attempt on Fidel Castro.