RFK Jr’s heavy breathing on hot mic during Senate hearing riles Internet: ‘It's louder than the words’

WASHINGTON, DC: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr appeared before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, September 4, but his testimony was not the only thing that drew attention.

Viewers were struck by his heavy breathing, which was picked up on a hot mic throughout the hearing.

Aide intervenes as RFK Jr's mic captures breathing

During the hearing, RFK Jr faced questions about his overhaul of vaccine policy, layoffs, cuts to vaccine research, and the ousting of former CDC Director Susan Monarez.

It was marked by sharp exchanges with senators as he defended changes to vaccine programs and broader public health strategy. Critics charged that his decisions were hollowing out public health.

During questioning, RFK Jr's microphone caught his breathing even while others were speaking, creating a distraction inside the chamber.

At one point, an aide approached Kennedy during questioning, whispering something in his ear as he appeared alarmed and looked down at his microphone.

Independent journalist Aaron Rupar suggested the exchange might have been about using the mute button.

Afterward, the HHS secretary appeared to mute and unmute his microphone depending on whether it was his turn to speak, attempting to reduce the distraction.

Neurological condition affects RFK Jr’s voice and breathing

RFK Jr’s distinctive voice is caused by spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that affects speech through spasms of the vocal cord muscles. These spasms can also result in noisy, labored breathing.

He has said he first noticed a change in his voice in 1996 at the age of 42. In an April 2024 interview with the Los Angeles Times, he admitted, “I can’t stand the sound of my voice."

"But the injury is neurological, so actually, the more I use the voice, the stronger it tends to get. If I could sound better, I would,” RFK Jr noted.

While he has speculated that the flu vaccine could be “at least a potential culprit,” he has acknowledged there is no proof it caused his condition.

Internet says RFK Jr was ‘breathing like the Constitution needed CPR’

Social media lit up with reactions as RFK Jr's breathing became a trending moment from the hearing.

An X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “RFK Jr. was breathing like the Constitution needed CPR,” while another said, “Sounds like Darth Vader has joined the table.”

A person remarked, “RFK’s breathing is WILDLY distracting,” while someone else quipped, “RFK Jr’s breathing is the worst ASMR ever.”

One more quipped, "Jeez, I haven't heard that kind of breathing since the last Star Wars movie," while another added, "Same. Forget the answers—the wheezing is louder than the words. RFK Jr. doesn’t testify. He hyperventilates."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.