RFK Jr. Confirmed as Health Secretary Despite Caroline Kennedy Blasting Him as a 'Predator'

Mar. 15, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivers remarks at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on August 23, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.Photo:Rebecca Noble/Getty

Rebecca Noble/Getty

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.was confirmed as the next secretary of health and human services in a 52-48 vote on Thursday, Feb. 13, with onlyMitch McConnellbreaking from the Republican Party to oppose his nomination.

Once it became clear that Kennedy had swayed enough people into his corner to be confirmed — namely moderate GOP Sens.Susan CollinsandLisa Murkowski— Democratic Senate leaderChuck Schumerexpressed his frustration with doubtful Republicans for lining up behind Kennedy, calling him “one of the least qualified people” whom PresidentDonald Trumpcould have picked to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Schumer continued: “If the Senate had a secret ballot, I bet you that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would never have come close to confirmation. His unfitness for the job is simply too obvious and too glaring.”

Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. arrive on Capitol Hill for a confirmation hearing on Jan. 29, 2025.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Kennedy,a former Democrat, wasmet with skepticismfrom members of both parties during his confirmation hearings in January, given his controversial and flip-flopping views on issues like vaccines and abortion rights.

Trump previously said that he would let Kennedy “do whatever he wants” with government health agencies after being sworn in, and senators spent considerable time grilling him over his history of anti-vaccine rhetoric and refusal to accept some scientific findings.

At one point in his first hearing, while speaking about what he hoped to achieve in the role, Kennedy addressed his recent stance against processed foods, clarifying that he didn’t want to restrict what Americans would be eating but instead wanted toeducate them on the effect it has on their bodies.

“If you like … a McDonald’s cheeseburger, Diet Coke — which my boss [Trump] loves — you should be able to get them,” he said ashis wife, actress Cheryl Hines, sat behind him. “If you want to eat Hostess Twinkies, you should be able to do that, but you should know what the impacts are on your family and your health.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on his nomination to be Health and Human Services Secretary, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, January 29, 2025.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty

ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty

A day before Kennedy’s hearings began, his headwinds for the role grew stronger after his cousinCaroline Kennedyissued a letter to senators thatcalled him a “predator"and claimed that he was “addicted to attention and power” and ultimately “unqualified” for the role.

Caroline Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Jason Mendez/Getty

LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Jason Mendez/Getty

A  source close to the Kennedy political dynastytold PEOPLE at the time that “it was a pretty fierce statement"for Caroline, the daughter ofJohn F. KennedyandJacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

“She’s so, so private and her speaking out — as harshly as she did — about her cousin is shocking,” the source said, noting that it was “a complete departure for her.”

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Her letter came months after five ofhis siblingsissued ajoint statementin August 2024publicly distancing themselvesfrom his decision to join forces with Trump. The statement occurred the same month thatKennedy abandoned his independent 2024 presidential campaign.

source: people.com