Robert F. Kennedy Jr., born on January 17, 1954, is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, and activist. He is the son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. Throughout his career, Kennedy has been involved in environmental advocacy, notably with organizations like Riverkeeper and the Natural Resources Defense Council. He also founded the Waterkeeper Alliance in 1999. In 1987, he began teaching environmental law at Pace University School of Law.
In 2024, Kennedy launched an independent campaign for the U.S. presidency, ultimately endorsing Donald Trump and serving as his Secretary of Health and Human Services starting in February 2025. His tenure has faced scrutiny, with reports highlighting internal conflicts and challenges in implementing his health agenda.
Recently, Kennedy has been involved in discussions regarding public health policies. He cautioned against vaccinating poultry to combat avian flu, expressing concerns about potential mutations affecting humans. Additionally, he addressed a measles outbreak in Texas, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to control its spread.
Kennedy’s public statements and policy positions have sparked debate. A recent commentary from a farmer urged him to consider science-based approaches in agricultural policies, advocating for innovation and interagency cooperation to support farmers.