Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (born January 17, 1954) is an American environmental lawyer, politician, author, and anti-vaccine activist. He is best known for his advocacy in environmental law, his leadership in the Waterkeeper Alliance, and his controversial views on vaccines and public health. A member of the Kennedy family, RFK Jr. is the son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of John F. Kennedy.
In 2024, he ran as an independent candidate for the U.S. presidency before later endorsing Donald Trump. In 2025, he was nominated as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by President Trump.
In this article, we will explore Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s age, height, weight, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts, among other key details.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Short Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. |
| Stage Name | RFK Jr. |
| Profession(s) | Lawyer, Politician, Environmental Activist, Author |
| Hometown | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1954 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 71 years |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Notable For | 2024 U.S. Presidential Candidate, Environmental Activism, Anti-Vaccine Advocacy |
Early Life and Education
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., to Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy. He is part of the prominent Kennedy political family and was just nine years old when his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated. At the age of 14, he also lost his father, Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated during his 1968 presidential campaign.
Kennedy was raised in a privileged yet tragic environment, spending much of his youth at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. He attended Georgetown Preparatory School before graduating from Harvard University in 1976 with a Bachelor’s degree in American History and Literature. Later, he obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1982 and an LL.M. (Master of Laws) from Pace University in 1987.
During his teenage years and early adulthood, Kennedy struggled with drug addiction and was arrested for heroin possession in 1983. This led to community service and rehab, after which he committed himself to environmental law.
Career and Achievements
Environmental Law and Activism
Kennedy began his career as an environmental lawyer. He worked with Riverkeeper, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the Hudson River from pollution. He later co-founded the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international advocacy group aimed at protecting water bodies from industrial pollution.
As a prominent environmental activist, Kennedy:
- Fought against industrial pollution in the Hudson River.
- Challenged coal mining practices, including mountaintop removal.
- Advocated for clean energy policies while opposing certain renewable energy projects, such as Cape Wind.
He served as senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and as a clinical professor of environmental law at Pace University.
Political and Public Health Controversies
Kennedy is well-known for his anti-vaccine advocacy. Since the early 2000s, he has promoted misinformation about vaccines and public health, including the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism. He founded Children’s Health Defense, a group that opposes vaccine mandates and promotes alternative health treatments.
His anti-vaccine stance has been widely criticized by:
- Public health experts
- His own family members, who publicly distanced themselves from his views.
In 2021, he published “The Real Anthony Fauci”, a controversial book that attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bill Gates, and Big Pharma.
2024 U.S. Presidential Campaign
In April 2023, Kennedy announced his candidacy for the 2024 U.S. presidential election as a Democrat. He later switched to an Independent run in October 2023. His campaign was notable for:
- Appealing to both conservatives and liberals.
- Spreading conspiracy theories about vaccines, COVID-19, and the government.
- Receiving significant funding from Republican donors.
Kennedy suspended his campaign in August 2024 and endorsed Donald Trump, a move that shocked many of his supporters.
Appointment as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2025)
After endorsing Trump, Kennedy was nominated as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in November 2024. His nomination faced strong opposition due to his anti-vaccine views and lack of experience in public health administration.
Family and Relationships
RFK Jr. has been married three times and has six children.
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Father | Robert F. Kennedy (Former U.S. Senator) |
| Mother | Ethel Kennedy |
| First Wife | Emily Black (m. 1982 – div. 1994) |
| Second Wife | Mary Richardson Kennedy (m. 1994 – d. 2012) |
| Third Wife | Cheryl Hines (m. 2014 – present) |
| Children | 6 |
His second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, tragically died by suicide in 2012.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Tattoos | None |
| Distinguishing Feature | Raspy Voice (due to Spasmodic Dysphonia) |
Net Worth and Income Sources
RFK Jr. has a net worth of approximately $50 million as of 2025.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Practice | Environmental Litigation |
| Public Speaking | Paid Appearances |
| Books & Publications | Bestselling Author |
| Investments | Various Holdings |
His wealth primarily comes from legal settlements, book sales, and investments.
Lesser-Known Facts
- RFK Jr. was arrested for heroin possession in 1983.
- He suffers from spasmodic dysphonia, a rare vocal disorder.
- He has clashed with family members over his anti-vaccine views.
- He was once considered for U.S. Attorney General.
- He has worked with indigenous tribes on environmental issues.
- He has authored multiple books, including bestsellers.
- He is a licensed falconer and wildlife rehabilitator.
- He is fluent in Spanish.
- He has made controversial claims about 5G and Wi-Fi radiation.
- His campaign received donations from Republican mega-donors.
FAQs
- Q: Why does RFK Jr. have a raspy voice?
A: He has spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological voice disorder. - Q: What is RFK Jr.’s net worth?
A: Estimated at $50 million. - Q: Did RFK Jr. drop out of the 2024 election?
A: Yes, he endorsed Donald Trump in August 2024.
Conclusion
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a controversial political figure known for his environmental activism, anti-vaccine stance, and 2024 presidential run. His appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services remains one of the most debated political decisions in recent history.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.
