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Robert F. Kennedy

Historical Figure

Robert F. Kennedy

1954–1968

United States Secretary of Health and Human Services since 2025

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Biography

Robert Francis Kennedy Jr., also known by his initials RFK Jr., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist serving as the 26th United States secretary of health and human services since 2025. A member of the prominent Kennedy family, he is a son of Senator and US attorney general Robert F. Kennedy and a nephew of US president John F. Kennedy and US senator Ted Kennedy.

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In Their Own Words (5)

Timeline

The story of Robert F. Kennedy, told in moments.

1983 Event

Arrested for heroin possession in Rapid City, South Dakota. Underwent court-ordered treatment. Later became an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. Channeled his recovery into environmental law.

1999 Event

Won a landmark case forcing New York City to overhaul its water infrastructure. Through Riverkeeper, he sued polluters on the Hudson River for years. His environmental record was widely respected across party lines.

2005 Event

Published "Deadly Immunity" in Rolling Stone and Salon, claiming a link between vaccines and autism. The scientific consensus firmly rejected his claims. The article was later retracted. His family publicly disagreed with him.

2025 Event

Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services after dropping his independent presidential campaign to support Donald Trump. His nomination alarmed public health officials given his anti-vaccine advocacy.

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