RFK Jr’s nephew Joe Kennedy III urges him to resign: 'None of us will be spared the pain he's inflicting'

WASHINGTON, DC: Robert F Kennedy Jr is facing calls to resign from within his own family following a contentious Senate Finance Committee hearing.

His nephew, Joe Kennedy III, sharply criticized the Health and Human Services secretary, accusing him of endangering Americans by rejecting scientific consensus and sidelining experts.

Joe Kennedy III calls RFK Jr a 'threat to the health and wellbeing' of Americans

In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, September 5, the 44-year-old former Massachusetts representative said his uncle was “a threat to the health and wellbeing of every American.”

He added, “Protecting the public health of our country and its people” is RFK Jr’s responsibility, but claimed, “At yesterday's hearing, he chose to do the opposite: to dismiss science, mislead the public, sideline experts and sow confusion.”

Joe continued, “None of us will be spared the pain he is inflicting. It doesn't matter how rich or powerful you are or what state you live in, the heartbreak of watching a loved one fall ill knows no borders.”

Concluding his post, he warned that “the challenges before us, from disease outbreaks to mental health crises, demand moral clarity, scientific expertise, and leadership rooted in fact. Those values are not present in the Secretary's office. He must resign.”

Joe’s criticism came just a day after RFK Jr attacked the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and defended his firing of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises on vaccine use, according to PBS.

During the Senate hearing on Thursday, the HHS secretary argued that the CDC had lost credibility and suggested his decision was necessary to restore public trust.

Reactions pour in after Joe Kennedy III calls for RFK Jr’s resignation

Joe Kennedy III’s post has ignited strong reactions online. Supporters and critics of the embattled secretary weighed in with sharply divided views.

Some defended RFK Jr as a rare truth-teller in Washington. “Really? He is the only one telling the truth! He is the only one not being paid under the table by big Pharma! He is the only one standing up for the American people!” one supporter argued.

Others predicted Kennedy’s policies would be vindicated over time, with one writing, “What a despicable post. Can't wait for the results in 3-7 years to prove how very wrong you are... We are going to owe Secretary Kennedy a huge world of thanks. You should be cheering for his success, not encouraging his failure.”

But critics of RFK Jr stood firmly behind Joe’s call, with one simply writing, “What a disgusting post!” Another tweeted, “Your lack of loyalty makes me ill.”

Some observers injected humor into the family feud, noting the awkwardness it could cause in private. “Going to be real awkward at the Kennedy family reunion!” one person quipped.

Kennedy family vs RFK Jr

Joe Kennedy III is not the first Kennedy to break ranks. In August, Caroline Kennedy told New York Magazine that the Kennedy family of today, numbering more than 100 adults, no longer resembles the political dynasty of the past.

She added that RFK Jr “continues to grandstand” off the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and exploits his last name for political gain.

RFK Jr’s mother, Ethel Kennedy, reportedly expressed disapproval as well. When he announced his 2023 presidential run, she called then-President Joe Biden to apologize for her son’s decision.

Other relatives have also distanced themselves from RFK Jr’s views. His sister Kerry Kennedy said in a 2023 statement, “I love my brother Bobby, but I do not share or endorse his opinions on many issues, including the COVID pandemic, vaccinations, and the role of social media platforms in policing false information.”

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.