Caroline Kennedy, outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Australia and a prominent member of the Kennedy family, has openly criticized her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), for his controversial views on vaccines. Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra on Monday, Kennedy described RFK Jr.’s stance as “dangerous” and misaligned with the broader consensus of the American public and the Kennedy family itself.
“I grew up with him, so I’ve known all this for a long time. Others are just getting to know him,” she said, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Caroline Kennedy’s remarks come in the wake of a significant political development. Last week, former President Donald Trump announced his decision to appoint RFK Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a choice that has sparked widespread debate given RFK Jr.’s history of controversial statements about vaccines and public health.
RFK Jr., the son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, has long been a divisive figure within his influential family and the broader political landscape. While the Kennedy name is often associated with progressive Democratic ideals, RFK Jr. has forged a path that many view as contradictory to these values.
His activism, particularly through the nonprofit organization Children’s Health Defense, has drawn sharp criticism. The group has been accused of spreading anti-vaccine misinformation, although RFK Jr. disputes this characterization. He claims his primary goal is to advocate for more rigorous safety testing of vaccines and to address what he describes as a “chronic disease epidemic” in the U.S., encompassing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and autism.
Critics, however, point to RFK Jr.’s repeated promotion of debunked theories, including the long-discredited claim that vaccines cause autism. Public health experts have warned that such rhetoric undermines trust in vaccines, which are essential for controlling infectious diseases and safeguarding public health.
Caroline Kennedy’s comments at the National Press Club shed light on the Kennedy family’s collective stance on public health and RFK Jr.’s controversial views.
“I would say that our family is united in terms of our support for the public health sector and infrastructure and has the greatest admiration for the medical profession in our country,” she said. “Bobby Kennedy has got a different set of views.”
Her statements underscore the Kennedy family’s enduring commitment to public service, science, and health policy, values that RFK Jr.’s positions appear to contradict.
The Kennedy family has historically been a symbol of hope, progress, and unity within the Democratic Party. RFK Jr.’s recent political maneuvers, including his brief independent presidential campaign earlier this year, have further strained these ties. His decision to endorse Trump and accept a role in a Republican administration marks a stark departure from the family’s Democratic legacy.
Trump’s choice to nominate RFK Jr. as health secretary has ignited controversy across political and scientific communities. The Department of Health and Human Services oversees critical agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Public health advocates fear that RFK Jr.’s leadership could jeopardize the integrity of these institutions.
RFK Jr.’s critics argue that his history of promoting vaccine skepticism could erode public trust in lifesaving immunization programs. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of vaccination in combating infectious diseases, with vaccines preventing millions of deaths worldwide.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, expressed concern about RFK Jr.’s nomination in a recent interview. “Science and evidence must guide public health policy. Anything less puts lives at risk,” Fauci said.
RFK Jr. rejects the label of “anti-vaccine activist” and maintains that his advocacy is rooted in concerns over vaccine safety and the influence of pharmaceutical companies.
“I’m not anti-vaccine,” RFK Jr. said during his presidential campaign. “I’m pro-safety and pro-transparency. People deserve to know what they’re putting into their bodies.”
Despite his insistence, public health officials have noted that his rhetoric often aligns with classic anti-vaccine arguments, which misrepresent scientific evidence and sow doubt about vaccine efficacy.
As she prepares to leave her post as ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy remains a steadfast advocate for diplomacy, science, and public health. During her tenure, she strengthened U.S.-Australia relations and emphasized the importance of collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
In one of her final speeches as ambassador, Kennedy reassured her Australian audience of America’s unwavering commitment to the region. “The United States has made commitments over many decades, and those are not going to change,” she said.
