On Friday, Joe Kennedy III took a strong stand against his cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., labeling him “a threat to the health and well-being of all Americans” in a passionate social media post. This public outcry not only reflects a deeply entrenched family feud but also comes just a day after RFK Jr.’s divisive appearance at a Senate hearing.
That statement, which garnered over 1.2 million views, highlights the severe rifts within this once-united political family. Historically, the Kennedy name represented Democratic unity, but now it’s caught in the middle of a swirl involving President Donald Trump and RFK Jr., who has embraced Trump’s health agenda. Joe Kennedy’s remarks signify a notable escalation in their disputes.
In 2024, five of RFK Jr.’s siblings issued a joint message denouncing Trump’s backing as a betrayal to the family’s core values. Additionally, Caroline Kennedy urged the senator to block RFK Jr.’s cabinet appointment, stating in early 2025 that he was “inappropriately gaining attention and power,” while labeling him “unqualified” and a “predator” to lead the HHS.
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on September 4, RFK Jr. faced sharp criticism from Senator Ron Wyden, who accused him of dismissing CDC scientists and replacing them with “conspiracy theorists” that put children and parents at risk.
Despite the tumult, Trump expressed support for RFK Jr. following the heated Senate session, saying, “I like the fact that he’s different.”
In his post, Joe Kennedy emphasized that the pain inflicted by RFK Jr.’s actions is inescapable, insisting, “those values don’t exist in the secretary’s office. He must resign.” Meanwhile, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, found humor in RFK Jr.’s testimony, remarking that the “RFK losers are suffocating very badly.”
The discord stemming from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial role in Trump’s administration now appears to be publicly reverberating, revealing the family’s internal struggles in sharper focus.
The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet replied to requests for comment.
