Cheryl Hines confirms RFK Jr is 'not going to run for president’ in 2028

WASHINGTON, DC: Cheryl Hines, wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, addressed speculation surrounding her husband’s potential run for the White House in 2028. 

In a recent interview, she confirmed his plans regarding the 2028 presidential race. Hines also reflected on her husband’s past political decisions, highlighting how quickly circumstances can change.

Cheryl Hines reflects on Robert F Kennedy Jr entering politics

During an appearance on NewsNation aired on Monday, December 8, anchor Elizabeth Vargas asked Hines directly if her husband would be running for president in 2028 and whether she was prepared for such a scenario.

She replied, “Gosh, he’s not going to run for president.” Though Hines noted previously she “didn’t think he was going to go into politics, and the next thing you know, he’s telling me he wants to run.”

Hines, who has been married to RFK Jr for over a decade, said she never anticipated her husband’s political career when they married.

Hines recalled asking her husband if he had ever considered a political career before they tied the knot. 

She shared, “I asked him, you know, if he ever wanted to go into politics, had he ever thought of it, and at the time, he was an environmental attorney, and he said that he didn’t have a desire.”

The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' actress then reflected on how quickly his path shifted, saying, “So I was like, great. We’re going to get along great. And then he went into politics. Then he decided to run for president.”

Cheryl Hines on backlash and Robert F Kennedy Jr’s public perception

Hines also described facing notable backlash, especially on social media, since RFK Jr entered politics, noting that Democrats have been more critical than Republicans.

“Even when Bobby was running, I mean, he started out running as a Democrat, and the Democrats were … not happy, because he was running against Biden,” Hines said.

She added, “It did not feel like a character assassination every day” from Republicans.

The 71-year-old has garnered a surprisingly high approval rating among voters, according to a recent Harvard-Harris poll.

The survey, conducted between December 2 and 4, asked 2,204 registered voters in the United States to share their views on a range of political figures.

The poll showed RFK Jr among the highest-rated figures, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Specifically, 43% of respondents viewed the HHS secretary favorably, while 40% viewed him unfavorably, giving him a narrow 3% advantage in positive perception.

RFK Jr had previously backed Trump’s White House bid in August 2024 and subsequently became Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary, a controversial appointment due to his past statements on health issues, particularly regarding vaccines.