Caroline Kennedy Urges Senate to Reject Cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health Secretary
Caroline Kennedy has penned a scathing letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, strongly opposing the confirmation of her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary.
In her letter, Kennedy expresses grave concerns about Kennedy Jr.'s qualifications and suitability for the role. She highlights his lack of relevant experience in government, finance, management, and medicine, emphasizing that overseeing vital agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires expertise he does not possess.
Furthermore, Kennedy raises red flags about Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine views, labeling them "dangerous and willfully misinformed." She worries that his appointment would undermine public trust in vaccines and potentially harm vulnerable populations.
Personal experiences with Kennedy Jr. also inform Kennedy's concerns. She shares that she witnessed her cousin's drug addiction and its impact on his younger relatives. She alleges that Kennedy Jr. "provided a space for drug use" and "showed off" acts of animal cruelty.
While acknowledging Kennedy Jr.'s recovery from addiction, Kennedy asserts that his past actions have had serious consequences for his family members. She contends that while he has faced no repercussions for his behavior, those he influenced have suffered from addiction, illness, and even death.
Kennedy also criticizes Kennedy Jr.'s use of his father's legacy for personal gain. She claims that he distorted President John F. Kennedy's message to advance his own presidential campaign and later sought favor from former President Donald Trump.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership in healthcare, Kennedy urges the Senate to reject Kennedy Jr.'s nomination. She believes that HHS employees and the public deserve a secretary who is "stable, moral, and ethical."