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 prominent American politician and lawyer, serving as the 64th U.S. Attorney General (1961-1964) and a U.S. Senator from New York (1965-1968). A leading figure in the Democratic Party and an icon of modern American liberalism, he was assassinated in June 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Like his brothers John and Ted, RFK was a significant force in American politics.
December 1952: Appointed Assistant Counsel to McCarthy Committee
In December 1952, Robert Kennedy was appointed as an assistant counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations by Joseph McCarthy.
July 1953: Resigned from McCarthy Committee
In July 1953, Robert Kennedy resigned from the McCarthy Committee, feeling disillusioned with McCarthy's methods.
1957: Chief Counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee
In 1957, Robert Kennedy became the chief counsel of the Senate Labor Rackets Committee, where he gained national attention for challenging Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa.
1960: Appointment as U.S. Attorney General
In 1960, John F. Kennedy appointed Robert Kennedy as U.S. Attorney General, causing controversy due to Robert's inexperience and perceived nepotism.
July 7, 1961: Response to Hoffa's reelection
On July 7, 1961, after Jimmy Hoffa's reelection, RFK told reporters that the government's case against Hoffa remained unchanged.
November 1961: Involvement in Operation Mongoose
In November 1961, Robert Kennedy served as President Kennedy's personal representative in Operation Mongoose, a covert program aimed at inciting revolution in Cuba.
February 1962: Hoover presents allegations about King
In February 1962, J. Edgar Hoover presented Kennedy with allegations that some of Martin Luther King Jr.'s close confidants and advisers were communists.
May 7, 1962: Briefing on CIA plots against Castro
On May 7, 1962, Robert Kennedy was briefed on a CIA plot involving Mafia bosses to assassinate Fidel Castro and directed the CIA to halt any existing efforts.
May 24, 1963: Meeting with Black Delegation
On May 24, 1963, Kennedy held a private meeting with a black delegation coordinated by James Baldwin in New York City, which became antagonistic.
October 1963: Kennedy authorizes wiretapping of King
In October 1963, Kennedy issued a written directive authorizing the FBI to wiretap Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the SCLC.
March 4, 1964: Hoffa's bribery conviction
On March 4, 1964, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted of attempted bribery and sentenced to eight years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Kennedy congratulated the prosecutors.
July 26, 1964: Hoffa's fraud conviction
On July 26, 1964, while on bail, Jimmy Hoffa was convicted of conspiracy and mail and wire fraud, sentenced to five years in prison.
1965: Kennedy Criticizes U.S. Intervention in Dominican Republic
In 1965, Kennedy criticized U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic and warned that communism could gain traction if it carried the banner of reform for the dispossessed.
January 31, 1966: Kennedy Warns Against Bombing in Vietnam
On January 31, 1966, Kennedy warned in a Senate speech that "If we regard bombing as the answer in Vietnam, we are headed straight for disaster."
June 1966: Wiretapping of King continues through June 1966
The wiretapping of Martin Luther King Jr. authorized by Kennedy continued through June 1966 and was revealed in 1968.
March 7, 1967: Hoffa begins prison sentence
On March 7, 1967, Jimmy Hoffa began serving his 13-year prison sentence for bribery and fraud at the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary.
June 5, 1968: Shot After Winning California Primary
On June 5, 1968, shortly after winning the California primary, Robert Kennedy was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, an event that led to his death 25 hours later.
2007: Release of "Family Jewels" Documents
In 2007, the CIA declassified the "Family Jewels" documents, which suggested Robert Kennedy authorized an assassination attempt on Fidel Castro before the Bay of Pigs Invasion, though other evidence contradicts this.
