Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Australia and daughter of the late President Kennedy, has sharply criticized her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his stance on vaccines, labeling his views as “dangerous.”
She expressed her concerns during a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra on Sunday, emphasizing that his opinions are out of step with the broader Kennedy family and the majority of Americans.
Kennedy reflected on her personal experience with her cousin, saying, “I grew up with him, so I’ve known all this for a long time. Others are just getting to know him.” She stressed that while her family is unified in its support for public health and the medical profession, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. holds divergent views on these matters.
Caroline Kennedy addresses her cousin’s controversial vaccine stance, urging unity on public health matters
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was nominated by President-elect Trump last week to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services, joining a list of controversial nominees awaiting Senate confirmation. While his nomination has received some support from Senate Republicans, Kennedy can only afford three “no” votes from his party, should Democrats oppose him.
Kennedy has drawn attention for a number of contentious statements on vaccines and other topics, which could complicate his path to confirmation. Earlier this month, he clarified his position in an NBC News interview, assuring the public that the new administration would not remove vaccines from the American people.
“If vaccines are working for somebody, I’m not going to take them away,” Kennedy said. He added that individuals should have the freedom to make informed choices, with access to the best available scientific information, allowing them to decide whether a particular vaccine is right for them.
