Robert Kennedy, Jr.

Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F Kennedy, Jr.

Known Investigations & Official Actions

  1. Investigation by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) / Marine Mammal Protection Act
    RFK Jr. was reported to be under investigation for allegedly possessing and transporting the severed head of a dead whale from Massachusetts decades ago. The story resurfaced in 2024 after his daughter provided an anecdote, and NOAA confirmed an investigation. Newsweek+5ABC7 New York+5The Independent+5
    Later, NOAA announced the investigation was closed, finding the allegation to be unfounded. Politico+1

  2. Ballot Access / Voter Registration Challenge in New York
    RFK Jr. faced legal proceedings in New York related to his attempt to gain ballot access as a presidential candidate. He was accused of voting in 2016 in New York at an address where he neither lived nor owned property, which raised issues of alleged voter fraud or perjury. Times Union

  3. Congressional Oversight / Subcommittee Investigation: Avian (Bird) Flu Response
    As of April 2025, a letter was sent by U.S. House members to RFK Jr. (in his capacity as Secretary of HHS) querying his approach to the bird flu outbreak and requesting documentation of coordination between federal agencies. Oversight Democrats+1

  4. Conflict of Interest / Financial Disclosure Concerns
    Research indicates RFK Jr. has been involved in litigation referral fees, sponsorships and lawsuits (for example, involving the HPV vaccine “Gardasil”) that raise questions of conflicts of interest given his public health advocacy role. Accountable US

  5. Allegations of Mis- and Disinformation / Public Health Concerns
    Various groups of health-agency employees (e.g., from HHS, CDC, NIH) have signed letters accusing RFK Jr. of undermining public health by spreading vaccine misinformation and dismantling scientific institutional trust. The Guardian

⚠️ Key Controversies & Issues

  • Vaccine and Health Science Advocacy
    RFK Jr. has a long record of opposing or challenging mainstream vaccine science. For example: his 2005 article “Deadly Immunity” argued links between thimerosal in vaccines and autism—a claim widely criticized and the article was retracted online. Wikipedia+1
    His work via Children’s Health Defense includes reports alleging fraud or malfeasance at federal health agencies. Children’s Health Defense+1

  • Allegations of Misconduct Toward Women
    Several reports and summary documents (e.g., from advocacy groups) allege RFK Jr. engaged in inappropriate conduct with women, including claims of sexual assault or harassment. None (publicly) appear to have resulted in a criminal conviction in relation to those allegations. American Bridge PAC

  • Wildlife & Environmental Contradictions
    While RFK Jr. made his reputation as an environmental lawyer, some investigations suggest inconsistent behavior—such as the alleged whale-head incident or questionable association with an egg-smuggler involving his former organization. The Washington Post