Caroline Kennedy blasts cousin RFK Jr's 'dangerous' anti-vax views after knowing it for 'long time'

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA: US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former president John F Kennedy, has openly criticized her cousin Robert F Kennedy Jr for his controversial views on vaccines.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Australia, on Sunday, November 17, she expressed her concerns about his stance on public health issues.

Caroline Kennedy says she was aware of Robert F Kennedy Jr's vaccine views for long

Caroline Kennedy highlighted that Robert F Kennedy Jr’s opinions do not align with the values of the Kennedy family or the broader American public.

During her address, Caroline did not shy away from voicing her opinion despite the protocol that discourages ambassadors from commenting on domestic politics.

“I think Bobby Kennedy’s views on vaccines are dangerous,” Caroline said according to Daily Beast, adding that it was challenging to comment on both politics and family.

She added humorously, “I’m a sitting ambassador and I’m not supposed to comment on politics, and now you’re also asking me to comment on family, so that’s really a lot.”

Caroline also shared her long-standing familiarity with RFK Jr, stating, “I grew up with him, so I’ve known all this for a long time," before adding, "Others are just getting to know him."

Caroline Kennedy blasts Robert F Kennedy Jr over 'different set views'

Caroline Kennedy's remarks come at a time when vaccine skepticism has raised significant concerns, especially with Robert F Kennedy Jr’s public positions on vaccine safety.

She stated her family’s strong support for the medical community and public health initiatives.

“I would say that our family is united in terms of our support for the public health sector and infrastructure and has greatest admiration for the medical profession in our country, and Bobby Kennedy has got a different set of views,” she said.

Kennedy Jr, a nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary under president-elect Donald Trump, has faced backlash for controversial claims.

His statements on vaccines potentially causing autism, his skepticism about HIV causing AIDS and the effectiveness of azidothymidine (AZT), and his opposition to water fluoridation and Covid-19 vaccines as noted by The Hill, have drawn widespread criticism.

He has also said he will boost access to raw milk, or unpasteurized milk despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's warnings.

Robert F Kennedy Jr's defense

In a November 6 interview with NBC News, following Donald Trump's win, Robert F Kennedy Jr defended his views, stressing individual choice on vaccine usage.

“If vaccines are working for somebody, I’m not going to take them away. People ought to have [a] choice, and that choice ought to be informed by the best information,” he said.

Kennedy Jr also assured that he would ensure safety and efficacy studies are available for public assessment.

"So I’m going to make sure scientific safety studies and efficacy are out there, and people can make individual assessments about whether that product is going to be good for them," he said.

Despite some Senate GOP support for RFK Jr’s nomination, the controversy surrounding his views reportedly could pose challenges to his confirmation.