Caroline Kennedy Sparks Controversy Over RFK Jr.’s Political Aspirations

Caroline Kennedy, a prominent member of the Kennedy family and former U.S. ambassador to Australia, has made headlines after publicly denouncing her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ahead of his confirmation hearing for health and human services secretary. In a scathing letter sent to U.S. senators, Caroline Kennedy described RFK Jr. as a “predator” and warned that his anti-vaccine advocacy and questionable past actions make him unfit for the role.

This latest controversy highlights the growing divide within the Kennedy family as RFK Jr. continues to push his political career forward. Let’s take a deeper look at Caroline Kennedy’s claims, the response from RFK Jr., and what this means for the Kennedy legacy.

Caroline Kennedy’s Strong Warning Against RFK Jr.

In the letter, Caroline Kennedy made it clear that she felt an obligation to speak out against her cousin, despite her previous reluctance to publicly criticize his political stance.

“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,” she wrote.

Caroline did not hold back in her criticism, alleging that RFK Jr. has manipulated and harmed both family members and the public with his actions, particularly in his long-standing campaign against vaccinations.

Key Allegations in the Letter:

Vaccine Hypocrisy – Caroline claimed that while RFK Jr. has built a platform on discouraging vaccinations, he privately ensured that his own children were vaccinated, exposing a double standard.

Influence on Addiction – She accused RFK Jr. of leading family members “down the path of drug addiction”, a particularly sensitive topic within the Kennedy family.

Betrayal of Family Values – Caroline wrote that her father, President John F. Kennedy, and her uncle, former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, would be “disgusted” by her cousin’s actions.

The letter was shared widely on social media, gaining traction after Caroline’s son, writer Jack Schlossberg, posted it on Instagram. This public denunciation has deepened the already growing rift in the Kennedy family over RFK Jr.’s political ambitions.

RFK Jr.’s Response to Caroline Kennedy’s Criticism

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has yet to issue a formal response to his cousin’s letter, but sources close to his campaign suggest that he remains unfazed by the backlash from his family. RFK Jr. has faced criticism before, particularly for his anti-vaccine activism and controversial health claims, but his presidential bid and Trump cabinet nomination have intensified scrutiny.

RFK Jr. has previously dismissed similar criticism from other members of the Kennedy family, claiming that they misunderstand his mission. He has framed himself as an independent thinker willing to challenge “corrupt institutions,” particularly in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

His campaign team has downplayed the significance of Caroline Kennedy’s letter, instead focusing on building support among anti-establishment conservatives and Trump-aligned Republicans.

Kennedy Family Feud: A Growing Divide

The Kennedy family has historically been one of America’s most influential political dynasties, with a strong legacy in the Democratic Party. However, RFK Jr.’s shift toward right-wing populism has driven a wedge between him and his relatives.

While the Kennedy name has long been associated with progressive policies, civil rights, and public service, RFK Jr. has taken a different path, embracing conspiracy theories, vaccine skepticism, and nationalist rhetoric. His decision to run as an independent presidential candidate and later accept a nomination from Donald Trump has further alienated him from his traditionally Democratic family.

Past Criticism from the Kennedy Family

Caroline Kennedy is not the first family member to speak out against RFK Jr.:

In 2019, multiple Kennedy family members publicly condemned his anti-vaccine stance, calling it “dangerous” and urging the public not to listen to him.

In 2023, his sister Kerry Kennedy stated that his views on vaccines and COVID-19 misinformation “do not represent the values our father fought for.”

His own siblings have distanced themselves from his political aspirations, refusing to support his presidential run.

Caroline Kennedy’s letter is just the latest chapter in the ongoing Kennedy family feud—a rift that has now gone beyond ideological disagreements and into deep personal accusations.

Political Impact: Will RFK Jr. Be Confirmed?

Despite his family’s strong disapproval, RFK Jr. remains a serious contender for the position of health and human services secretary under Trump’s administration. However, his confirmation is far from guaranteed.

Challenges to His Confirmation:

Republican Concerns – While Trump has supported RFK Jr., many Republican senators remain skeptical of his extreme views on vaccines and public health. Since he can only afford to lose three Republican votes, his confirmation hangs in the balance.

Bipartisan Opposition – Many Democrats are outright opposed to RFK Jr.’s appointment, citing his history of spreading medical misinformation. Caroline Kennedy’s letter could sway moderate Republicans who are already hesitant.

Public Backlash – With major figures like Caroline Kennedy publicly condemning him, RFK Jr. may face increased pressure from both media and advocacy groups lobbying against his appointment.

RFK Jr.’s ability to weather the political storm and convince key Republican senators will determine his fate in the confirmation process.

A Defining Moment for the Kennedy Legacy

The ongoing battle between Caroline Kennedy and RFK Jr. represents more than just a family dispute—it symbolizes a deeper ideological divide within American politics.

Caroline Kennedy’s scathing letter reinforces the Kennedy family’s traditional values and their rejection of RFK Jr.’s controversial stances. Meanwhile, RFK Jr. continues to build a platform on populist rhetoric, vaccine skepticism, and anti-establishment politics, appealing to a very different audience than his Democratic relatives.

As RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the Senate. Will Caroline Kennedy’s warning sway lawmakers, or will RFK Jr. defy the odds and secure a position in Trump’s administration?

No matter the outcome, this high-profile family feud has cemented its place in American political history.