In a fiery rebuke that has sent shockwaves through political and social circles, Kerry Kennedy, a prominent human rights lawyer and president of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, has publicly denounced her brother, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for his endorsement of former President Donald Trump. The scathing criticism, delivered in a series of high-profile interviews and a viral social media post, underscores a deep familial rift and reignites debates about the legacy of their father, the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 while running for president. Kerry’s words, laden with emotion and conviction, have drawn widespread attention, particularly as they highlight the stark contrast between her brother’s actions and the values their family has long championed.
The controversy erupted when RFK Jr., a former independent presidential candidate, announced on August 23, 2024, that he was suspending his campaign and throwing his support behind Trump. This decision followed a series of phone conversations with the former president, as RFK Jr. cited concerns over the health of America’s children and environmental issues as points of alignment with Trump. The endorsement, however, was met with immediate backlash from several of his siblings, with Kerry Kennedy leading the charge. In a powerful statement shared on social media and reiterated during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki,” Kerry expressed her outrage, declaring, “I am disgusted by my brother’s obscene embrace of Donald Trump. And I completely disavow and dissociate myself from Robert Kennedy Jr. and his flagrant efforts to desecrate my father’s memory.”
Kerry’s condemnation was echoed by four other siblings—Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Courtney Kennedy, Chris Kennedy, and Rory Kennedy—who co-signed a joint statement calling RFK Jr.’s endorsement a “betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear.” The statement, which garnered significant attention online, emphasized their support for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whom they described as “champions for the values that my family has fought for years.” Kerry further elaborated on her stance during an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, stating, “I love my brother, but this is an outrage.” When asked if she had spoken to RFK Jr. recently, she noted that their last interaction was at her daughter’s wedding weeks prior, but she made it clear that her brother was fully aware of her disapproval.
The Kennedy family’s public dissent reflects a broader tension surrounding RFK Jr.’s political trajectory. Once a contender for the Democratic nomination, he transitioned to an independent run that was marked by controversy, including his amplification of conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and vaccines. His decision to align with Trump, a figure widely criticized by the Kennedy family for his policies and rhetoric, has been particularly jarring. Kerry, in her MSNBC appearance, argued that their father, who served as U.S. Attorney General under President John F. Kennedy and was a staunch advocate for civil rights and social justice, “would have detested almost everything Donald Trump represents.” She cited Trump’s stances on issues like women’s reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, and democratic principles as antithetical to the Kennedy legacy.
The public response to Kerry’s remarks has been polarized. A video clip of her MSNBC interview, shared by Acyn, senior digital editor at MeidasTouch, amassed over 1.3 million views on social media, with many praising her for her principled stand. However, some online commentators, particularly on platforms like X, have accused her of being overly scripted or motivated by partisan interests. Speculation about her health also surfaced due to her raspy voice during the interviews, with some suggesting she might share her brother’s neurological condition, spasmodic dysphonia, though no evidence confirms this.
Kerry’s activism extends beyond this family feud. She is set to campaign in Arizona alongside labor leader Dolores Huerta to promote Harris’s economic plans, contrasting them with Trump’s Project 2025 agenda. This move underscores her commitment to upholding the progressive ideals associated with her father’s legacy. Meanwhile, RFK Jr.’s endorsement has not only strained family ties but also raised questions about his motives, with critics like Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy’s grandson, accusing him of opportunism.
As the 2024 election approaches, Kerry Kennedy’s outspoken criticism of her brother’s political alignment serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of the Kennedy family and the complexities of their legacy. Her words, raw and unflinching, resonate as both a personal disavowal and a defense of the principles she believes her father stood for, setting the stage for a contentious political season.
