RFK Jr's daughter-in-law Amaryllis Fox Kennedy quits two government roles amid Iran tensions

WASHINGTON, DC: Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, the daughter-in-law of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, is stepping away from two major government positions as growing tensions surrounding Iran continue to create divisions in President Donald Trump’s administration.

According to a report published by the Washington Post on Tuesday, May 19, Amaryllis informed colleagues earlier this month that she plans to leave her roles by Friday.

The former CIA officer currently serves as Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities and Associate Director for Intelligence and International Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget.

One person familiar with the matter told The Post that Amaryllis' decision partly stemmed from her disagreement with Trump’s military actions in Iran. 

However, in a mail reviewed by the outlet, the intelligence official appeared to cite her family as the reason behind the decision, writing, “Being a mom is God’s greatest gift, and after two years on the campaign trail and a year serving in this extraordinary Administration, I have to make sure my family has all it needs.” Amaryllis is married to RFK Jr's eldest son, Robert F Kennedy III, and they share a son and a daughter. 

Laura Loomer claims Amaryllis Fox Kennedy was frustrated over Iran conflict

Far-right activist Laura Loomer added to the speculation surrounding Amaryllis' exit by claiming the former CIA officer was unhappy with Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict.

“In the coming weeks, several ODNI officials will be leaving their positions as Tulsi Gabbard prepares to leave the admin and launch her 2028 Presidential campaign,” Loomer wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“The first major staffer to leave is Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, RFK Jr’s daughter in law, who is unhappy with President Trump’s handling of the Iran war,” she added.

Loomer also claimed she had been predicting internal tensions over Iran for months and suggested more departures could follow.

She further alleged that longtime Republican strategist Roger Stone could be involved in Tulsi Gabbard's potential 2028 presidential campaign.

Amaryllis Fox Kennedy praises Trump while explaining reason behind resignation

Amaryllis herself, however, publicly pushed back against the narrative that her resignation was tied to disagreements with Trump’s foreign policy. 

In a lengthy statement posted on X after reports about her departure surfaced, she praised the POTUS' handling of global conflicts and strongly defended his approach toward Iran.

“There is no stable peace while uranium is enriched in the hidden corners of a county that routinely chants Death to America from the floor of its Majlis,” Amaryllis wrote.

She also described Trump as a “Peacemaker in Chief” and said she stood with him “EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.”

Amaryllis insisted that financial and family responsibilities were the real reasons behind her decision to leave the two government positions.

“I’m rejoining the private sector because I have a daughter about to begin college, with two younger children to educate, and I have to keep my family financially on track,” she wrote.

Amaryllis praised Trump’s leadership in unusually glowing terms, calling him “a brilliant tactician and tough negotiator” who “delivers peace through strength.”

She also defended the administration’s approach toward Iran while comparing it favorably to previous US military actions in the Middle East.

“The President’s masterful blockade is finally forcing the Iranian regime to the table,” Kennedy wrote, adding that Trump’s approach had resulted in “vastly fewer casualties” than earlier wars under former Presidents George W Bush and Barack Obama.

Amaryllis further said Trump had spent years focused on “extinguishing conflict and violence across the globe” and claimed he had delivered “more peace deals with fewer casualties than any president of my lifetime.”

Despite stepping down from two senior positions, Amaryllis confirmed she would continue serving on both the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and the Intelligence Oversight Board for the remainder of Trump’s term.

Iran tensions continue casting a shadow over Trump administration

Amaryllis' exit arrives during a tense moment for the White House as discussions around Iran continue dominating headlines.

Trump recently indicated the US was approaching what he described as the “final stages” involving Iran, while also insisting he was “in no hurry” despite increasingly sharp rhetoric surrounding possible military action.

The administration has faced growing scrutiny over how aggressively it should respond to developments involving Tehran, with divisions reportedly emerging among both political allies and national security figures.