Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Follow the latest Robert F. Kennedy Jr. news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
November 20, 2024 at 3:58 AM

Who is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?

First an environmental lawyer, then a vaccine skeptic, ABC News’ Elizabeth Schulze reports on Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
November 20, 2024 at 3:58 AM
Who is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
November 16, 2024 at 3:40 PM

Mike Pence opposes RFK Jr. for HHS because of support for abortion access

Mike Pence said choosing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a departure from what he framed as the Trump-Pence administration's general opposition to abortion access.
November 16, 2024 at 3:40 PM
Mike Pence attends at the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall, May 16, 2024.
November 16, 2024 at 3:11 PM

RFK Jr. tapped to head HHS

A number of groups on both sides of the political spectrum are raising concerns for President-elect Trump's choice for the Department of Health and Human Services.
November 16, 2024 at 3:11 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr. tapped to head HHS
November 16, 2024 at 12:14 PM

Doctors worried RFK Jr. will tout vaccine-skeptic views at HHS

Doctors are worried Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will tout anti-vaccine views after he was picked to lead the Department of Health and Human Services by Trump.
November 16, 2024 at 12:14 PM
Former Republican presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gestures as he speaks ahead of former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nov. 1, 2024.
November 15, 2024 at 11:01 PM

Reactions continue after RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS

Dr. Todd Ellerin, chief of infectious disease at South Shore Health, discusses why vaccine development should continue to be protected.
November 15, 2024 at 11:01 PM
VIDEO: Reactions continue after RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS
November 15, 2024 at 9:39 PM

RFK Jr. has been picked for HHS secretary. Here are the agencies he would oversee

With RFK Jr. nominated for Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services, these are all the agencies, including the CDC, that he would oversee.
November 15, 2024 at 9:39 PM
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump in Milwaukee, Nov. 1, 2024.
November 15, 2024 at 7:14 PM

House Republicans applaud Trump's picking Kennedy to lead HHS -- with a few concerns

House Republicans had mixed reactions to Trump's announcement that he would nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be HHS secretary.
November 15, 2024 at 7:14 PM
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the stage at a Turning Point Action campaign rally, Oct. 23, 2024, in Duluth, Georgia.
November 15, 2024 at 6:57 PM

Eric Adams dodges questions about potential Trump pardon, reflects NYC's future

New York City Eric Adams visited "The View" Friday to give his thoughts on President-elect Donald Trump's presidency and what it will mean for the city.
November 15, 2024 at 6:57 PM
New York City Eric Adams speaks with the hosts of "The View" on Nov. 15, 2024.
November 15, 2024 at 6:48 PM

Former acting CDC director says RFK Jr. nomination for HHS secretary is 'chilling'

Dr. Richard Besser discusses why he thinks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would have a profound negative impact on our healthcare system.
November 15, 2024 at 6:48 PM
VIDEO: Former acting CDC director says RFK Jr. nomination for HHS secretary is 'chilling'
November 15, 2024 at 5:59 PM

RFK Jr. is ‘exactly the wrong pick’ for HHS secretary

Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, director of Brown University’s Pandemic Center, criticizes President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Health and Human Services secretary.
November 15, 2024 at 5:59 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr. is ‘exactly the wrong pick’ for HHS secretary
November 15, 2024 at 5:26 PM

Doctor warns against ‘historic amnesia’ with RFK Jr.’s stance on vaccines

Dr. Todd Ellerin, South Shore Hospital’s chief of infectious diseases, reacts to President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet pick.
November 15, 2024 at 5:26 PM
VIDEO: Doctor warns against ‘historic amnesia’ with RFK Jr.’s stance on vaccines
November 15, 2024 at 3:34 PM

RFK Jr. as HHS secretary is creating ‘a lot of stress’ in medical community

ABC News medical contributor and epidemiologist Dr. John Brownstein reacts to President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial cabinet pick.
November 15, 2024 at 3:34 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr. as HHS secretary is creating ‘a lot of stress’ in medical community
November 15, 2024 at 2:55 PM

Trump picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead Health and Human Services

Kennedy has advised the transition team on health related-choices, sources said.
November 15, 2024 at 2:55 PM
Former Republican presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gestures as he speaks ahead of former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nov. 1, 2024.
November 15, 2024 at 6:38 AM

Medical community reacts to Trump’s choice of RFK Jr. to lead HHS

ABC News' Linsey Davis speaks with epidemiologist and ABC News contributor Dr. John Brownstein on the medical community’s reaction to RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS.
November 15, 2024 at 6:38 AM
Medical community reacts to Trump’s choice of RFK Jr. to lead HHS
November 15, 2024 at 6:38 AM

What RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS could mean for public health policy

ABC News’ Linsey Davis speaks with Politico’s senior Washington correspondent, Rachael Bade, about what the nomination of vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist could mean for public health policy.
November 15, 2024 at 6:38 AM
What RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS could mean for public health policy
November 15, 2024 at 2:48 AM

House Republicans react to RFK Jr. selected as HHS secretary

There were mixed reactions by House Republicans on Capitol Hill after President-elect Donald Trump announced RFK Jr. as his pick for HHS secretary.
November 15, 2024 at 2:48 AM
There were mixed reactions by House Republicans on Capitol Hill after President-elect Donald Trump announced RFK Jr. as his pick for HHS secretary.
November 15, 2024 at 1:31 AM

Trump chooses Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead Department of Health and Human Services

The nomination would put Kennedy, a noted vaccine skeptic who has spread disinformation in charge of the country's health system.
November 15, 2024 at 1:31 AM
Trump chooses Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead Department of Health and Human Services
November 15, 2024 at 12:16 AM

Trump picks RFK Jr. for HHS secretary, Gaetz reacts to latest allegations

A woman told the House Committee on Ethics that Rep. Matt Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17, according to sources.
November 15, 2024 at 12:16 AM
VIDEO: Trump picks RFK Jr. for HHS secretary, Gaetz reacts to latest allegations
November 14, 2024 at 9:54 PM

Trump picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS

President-elect Donald Trump said he has picked Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, he wrote in a social media post Thursday.
November 14, 2024 at 9:54 PM
VIDEO: Trump picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS
November 14, 2024 at 9:41 PM

RFK Jr. says Trump has 'promised' him 'control of the public health agencies'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said earlier this week that former President Donald Trump has "promised" him "control of the public health agencies."
November 14, 2024 at 9:41 PM
Former Republican presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump shake hands during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena on Aug. 23, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz.
November 2, 2024 at 12:59 AM

Trump promises RFK Jr. major healthcare role in administration

RFK Jr, who has spread debunked conspiracy theories about vaccines, saying former President Donald Trump promised him “control of the public health agencies.”
November 2, 2024 at 12:59 AM
VIDEO: Trump promises RFK Jr. major healthcare role in administration
November 1, 2024 at 10:33 AM

RFK Jr. recommends fellow vaccine skeptic to Trump for HHS secretary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been advising the Trump transition team, has recommended a fellow vaccine skeptic to lead the Health and Human Services Dept., sources say.
November 1, 2024 at 10:33 AM
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attend a campaign event sponsored by conservative group Turning Point USA, in Duluth, Georgia, Oct. 23, 2024.
October 31, 2024 at 10:04 PM

RFK Jr. says Trump 'promised' him 'control of the public health agencies'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the former third-party presidential candidate, claims former President Donald Trump promised him control of HHS and USDA if elected president.
October 31, 2024 at 10:04 PM
RFK Jr. says Trump 'promised' him 'control of the public health agencies'
October 30, 2024 at 8:52 PM

RFK Jr. says Trump has 'promised' him 'control of the public health agencies'

Kennedy, an anti-vaccine activist, said he'd lead health agencies under Trump.
October 30, 2024 at 8:52 PM
Kennedy, an anti-vaccine activist, said he'd lead health agencies under Trump.
1 month ago

Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert Kennedy, dies at 96

A matriarch of America's most celebrated political family, Kennedy witnessed her husband's 1968 assassination. She was hospitalized on Tuesday after suffering a stroke in her sleep.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert Kennedy, dies at 96
2 months ago

New York Magazine places reporter on leave after alleged relationship with RFK Jr.

New York Magazine placed its Washington correspondent, Olivia Nuzzi, on leave this week after an alleged relationship with RFK Jr.
2 months ago
Former Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives remarks at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Aug. 23, 2024 in Phoenix.
2 months ago

Federal agency investigating RFK Jr. after severed whale’s head story resurfaces

The NOAA is investigating Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after the resurfacing of a decades-old incident in which Kennedy allegedly drove a dead whale’s head across state lines.
2 months ago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at the Libertarian National Convention on May 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
2 months ago

1st general election absentee ballots sent in Alabama

An appeals court judge has halted the start of the early voting process in North Carolina.
2 months ago
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes an announcement on the future of his campaign, Aug. 23, 2024, in Phoenix.
3 months ago

Where RFK Jr. got off the ballot after suspending campaign -- and where he couldn't

He wanted off swing-state ballots to avoid taking votes away from Donald Trump.
3 months ago
Former Republican presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump shake hands during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena on August 23, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.
3 months ago

Environmental group wants RFK Jr. investigated over alleged severed whale head

An environmental group wants NOAA to investigate whether the former presidential candidate violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
3 months ago
Former Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. watches his former running mate Nicole Shanahan speak during a campaign event at the Henry J. Kaiser Event Center in Oakland, Calif., on March 26, 2024.
3 months ago

Trump adds RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard to transition team

Former President Donald Trump added the two former Democrats to his transition team as Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz prepare to tour through the swing state of Georgia.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Trump adds RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard to transition team
3 months ago

RFK Jr. allegedly strapped severed whale head to roof of car in 1990s

It comes after Kennedy admitted he put dead bear cub in Central Park.
3 months ago
It comes after Kennedy admitted he put dead bear cub in Central Park.
3 months ago

Trump to put RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard on his transition team

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris is back on the campaign trail for the first time since the Democratic National Convention.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Trump to put RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard on his transition team
3 months ago

Trump adds RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard to his transition team

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, two previous Democrats, have joined former President Donald Trump's transition team, the campaign confirmed to ABC News.
3 months ago
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks as he endorses Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at the Desert Diamond Arena, Aug. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona.
3 months ago

RFK Jr. endorses Donald Trump

The son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy suspended his independent campaign and endorses Republican nominee Donald Trump.
3 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. endorses Donald Trump
3 months ago

RFK Jr. suspends presidential campaign as independent, endorses Trump

Correspondent and ABC News contributor Asma Khalid take a closer look at the race for the presidency.
3 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. suspends presidential campaign as independent, endorses Trump
3 months ago

From 'liberal lunatic' to 'respect': How Trump's stance on RFK Jr. has evolved

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Donald haven't always gotten along, both hurling insults throughout their campaigns.
3 months ago
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes an announcement on the future of his campaign, Aug. 23, 2024, in Phoenix.
3 months ago

RFK Jr. says he's suspending 2024 campaign, joins Trump at Arizona rally

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Friday he is suspending his longshot campaign for president and instead supporting Donald Trump.
3 months ago
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, shakes hands with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, Aug. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.
3 months ago

RFK Jr. Suspending campaign, endorses Trump

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced he's suspending his presidential campaign, endorsing Trump and working to remove his name from ballots in battleground states where he would be a "spoiler" for Trump.
3 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. Suspending campaign, endorses Trump
3 months ago

Unpacking VP Harris’ climb to the top of the party & RFK’s Trump endorsement

ABC News’ Phil Lipof speaks with former mayor of Baltimore and former secretary of the Democratic National Committee Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to discuss VP Harris’ rise within the democratic party.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Unpacking VP Harris’ climb to the top of the party & RFK’s Trump endorsement
3 months ago

Republican strategist on the impact of RFK Jr. ending presidential campaign

ABC News’ Phil Lipof speaks with republican strategist Tricia Mclaughlin after RFK Jr. suspends his campaign and endorses former President Donald Trump.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Republican strategist on the impact of RFK Jr. ending presidential campaign
3 months ago

RFK Jr. joins Trump at Arizona rally after dropping out of race

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his presidential campaign on Friday and endorsed former President Donald Trump.
3 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. joins Trump at Arizona rally after dropping out of race
3 months ago

Kerry Kennedy, sister to RFK Jr., discusses the 2024 race

Kerry Kennedy, human rights activist, lawyer and sister to Robert F. Kennedy, joins the show.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Kerry Kennedy, sister to RFK Jr., discusses the 2024 race
3 months ago

How much momentum will RFK Jr.'s endorsement give Trump?

Polls show Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s supporters only slightly favor former President Donald Trump.
3 months ago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during the Freedom Fest at the Caesars Forum Conference Center, July 12, 2024, in Las Vegas.
3 months ago

RFK Jr. says he's suspending 2024 campaign, supporting Donald Trump

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Friday he is suspending his long-shot campaign for president and instead supporting former President Donald Trump.
3 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. says he's suspending 2024 campaign, supporting Donald Trump
3 months ago

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expected to suspend presidential campaign

Galen Druke, host of the 538 politics podcast, breaks down how Kennedy dropping out could impact the race and what an endorsement might do for former President Trump.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expected to suspend presidential campaign
3 months ago

RFK Jr. withdraws petition to be on Arizona ballot amid plans to end campaign

RFK Jr. has withdrawn his petition to be on the Arizona ballot, a state official tells ABC News, marking the first tangible sign he plans to exit the presidential race.
3 months ago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during the Libertarian National Convention at the Washington Hilton in Washington, May 24, 2024.
3 months ago

Will RFK supporters vote for Trump or Harris?

Former trump administration official Sarah Isgur and former Obama adviser discuss if Democrats should allow a Palestinian American to speak and about RFK possibly dropping out of the race.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Will RFK supporters vote for Trump or Harris?
3 months ago

RFK Jr. plans to drop out of presidential race: Sources

Robert Kennedy Jr., a life-long Democrat-turned Independent candidate for president, plans to pull the plug on his campaign and endorse Donald Trump, sources tell ABC News.
3 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. plans to drop out of presidential race: Sources
3 months ago

RFK Jr. expected to drop out of race by end of week, plans to endorse Trump: Sources

Robert Kennedy Jr. is planning to drop out of the presidential race by the end of this week, sources familiar with the decision tell ABC News.
3 months ago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, July 26, 2024.