In a surprising turn of events, Caroline Kennedy has openly criticized her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for his controversial stance on vaccines amid his nomination for a cabinet position under former President Donald Trump. Caroline Kennedy, who has historically refrained from commenting on her family's political affairs, has taken a firm stand against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as the Secretary of Health. She describes his views on vaccines as "dangerous" and believes her father, President John F. Kennedy, and her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, would be "disgusted" by his actions.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long held an anti-vaccine stance, which many deem questionable and harmful. Caroline Kennedy feels compelled to speak out now, given her cousin's potential influence on public health policy. She expressed this in a letter to lawmakers ahead of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearing, which was shared publicly by her son, writer Jack Schlossberg, on Instagram.
"I have known Bobby my whole life; we grew up together. It’s no surprise that he keeps birds of prey as pets because he himself is a predator." – Caroline Kennedy
The letter highlights Caroline Kennedy's concerns about her cousin's "crusade against vaccination," which she claims has financially benefited him. She accuses Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of hypocrisy, suggesting that his actions contradict his public statements. This isn't the first time Caroline Kennedy has warned the public about his conspiratorial views.
Despite the criticism from within his family, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s path to confirmation is not entirely blocked. He needs to lose just three Republican votes to secure his position in Trump's cabinet. The stakes are high, as his appointment could significantly impact the country's health policies.
Caroline Kennedy, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Australia, is leveraging her platform to voice her objections, emphasizing the potential dangers of her cousin's beliefs gaining a foothold in national policy decisions. Her public denunciation underscores the deep divisions and high emotions surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination.