Who Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Clashed With
His appointment as health secretary intensified long-standing disputes, including a bitter feud with his cousin Caroline Kennedy and other family members.
Apr 24, 2026 0
Anthony Fauci, whom Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused of profiting from the vaccine.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long been a controversial figure, but his new position in the Trump administration has brought old conflicts to a new level.
Sean Hannity, whose interview with Kennedy escalated into a public argument.
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One of the most high-profile disputes concerns his position on vaccination. As an anti-vaccine activist, even while serving as health secretary, he claimed the COVID-19 vaccine was «the deadliest in history». During the pandemic, he repeatedly criticized former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) director Anthony Fauci, accusing him of profiting from the Moderna vaccine. According to Kennedy, Fauci owned part of the patent and received royalties. Fauci himself called these claims absolutely false.
Caroline Kennedy, the cousin who called RFK Jr. a «predator».
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In November 2021, Kennedy published a book portraying Fauci as the main villain. He claimed the doctor «caused a lot of harm» by refusing to approve ivermectin and other unapproved COVID-19 treatments for widespread use. For such claims, his account was repeatedly blocked on social media.
Maria Shriver, who supported criticism of her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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Another public opponent was host Sean Hannity. Their dialogue in 2023 turned into a heated argument. Hannity asked questions about his political views and reasons for leaving the Democratic Party, to which Kennedy replied that the host was simply reading «Trump campaign talking points». Hannity retorted that these were his own research.
A gathering of Kennedy family members, some of whom opposed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
But the most bitter feud was within the family. In January 2025, ahead of Kennedy’s confirmation hearing for health secretary, his cousin Caroline Kennedy wrote a scathing letter to senators. She called him a «predator», «obsessed with attention and power», and «incompetent» for the role. According to her, appointing someone who «exploits family tragedies for publicity» is unacceptable. Later, commenting on the family situation, she noted that there are now over a hundred adults in their clan, and relationships have become more complicated.
Some Kennedy family members showed support for Joe Biden during the presidential race.
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Her position was publicly supported by another relative, Maria Shriver, who called Caroline’s action an act of courage.
When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his presidential run, many Kennedy family members opposed him. His sister Kerry Kennedy criticized him for «disgusting and false statements» and supported Joe Biden. Former congressman Joseph Kennedy II said that Biden’s votes should not be siphoned off, and the Kennedy name on the ballot could confuse Democrats. Other relatives, including Joseph Kennedy III, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and Rory Kennedy, also publicly criticized him.
The family rift also emerged during a tragic event. When 35-year-old Tatiana Schlossberg, who had previously criticized Kennedy in an essay, died in December 2025, he was deliberately not invited to the funeral, according to media reports. Sources said the family wanted to shield the children from extra attention and scandal.
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