Sunny Hostin questions RFK Jr's ability to 'think' after Donald Trump picks him to lead health department

Robert F Kennedy Jr's nomination has sparked controversy, mainly because of his stance on vaccinations, fluoride, and health-related policies
UPDATED NOV 16, 2024
Sunny Hostin suspected a 'brain worm' to be manipulating Robert F Kennedy Jr's decisions (Getty Images)
Sunny Hostin suspected a 'brain worm' to be manipulating Robert F Kennedy Jr's decisions (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sunny Hostin, 'The View' co-host, has raised concerns about Robert F Kennedy Jr's fitness for a important government role after reports emerged that Donald Trump might appoint him as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The nomination has sparked controversy, particularly given Kennedy Jr's positions on vaccinations, fluoride, and health-related policies.

Sunny Hostin says Robert F Kennedy Jr has a brain worm

Sunny Hostin expressed doubts over Robert F Kennedy Jr's capacity to handle the crucial role, citing a past medical issue involving a brain worm, which Kennedy Jr himself previously admitted to.

Hostin did not hold back on the matter during a recent episode of 'The View', referring to Kennedy Jr's controversial health stances and his reported medical condition.

Sunny Hostin attends the American Ballet Theatre's 2022 fall gala at David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center on October 27, 2022 in New York City.
Sunny Hostin attends the American Ballet Theatre's 2022 fall gala at the David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center on October 27, 2022, in New York City (Getty Images)

"Well, he has a brain worm. I think maybe it's affecting the way that he thinks," said Hostin during the segment, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Her remarks referenced a 2012 deposition where Kennedy Jr revealed that doctors once suspected he had a brain tumor.

However, it was later identified as damage potentially caused by a worm that had entered his brain, "ate a portion of it and then died,” Kennedy Jr stated in the deposition, according to the New York Times.

BERLIN, GERMANY - AUGUST 29: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy,
Robert F Kennedy Jr, nephew of former US President John F Kennedy, speaks during a protest against coronavirus-related restrictions and government policy on August 29, 2020, in Berlin, Germany (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Hostin said, "When people show you who they are the first time, you've got to believe them," raising alarms about his potential decisions if he were to take the position.

Cheryl Hines supports Robert F Kennedy Jr's nomination

While Sunny Hostin criticized the choice, Robert F Kennedy Jr's wife, Cheryl Hines, has shown public support for him.

The actress was recently seen celebrating with her husband at Mar-a-Lago following Trump's offer of the health department role.

This marks the first time the couple has attended a Trump event together since the election.


 
 
 
 
 
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A source told News Nation that Hines backed Kennedy Jr’s nomination despite the backlash from liberal circles.

“She’s not going anywhere,” an insider shared. “People in Hollywood are freaked out about this transformation. We’ll see how many ‘friends’ stick by her when she goes to Washington.”

Cheryl Hines and Robert F Kennedy Jr's marriage almost fell apart 

The political developments come amidst reports of challenges in Robert F Kennedy Jr's personal life.

Allegations of an affair with New York writer Olivia Nuzzi previously made headlines and threatened his marriage. 

“She’s been talking about filing for divorce, but he’s begging her not to file,” a source told People in October.

BEL AIR, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. attend Barron & Tessa Hilton
Cheryl Hines and Robert F Kennedy, Jr attend Barron & Tessa Hilton Host GODDESS Art Show on April 28, 2022, in Bel Air, California (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images) 

Additionally, Hines shared her reservations earlier this year, telling TMZ in February that she would not be happy if her husband were considered for Trump’s vice-presidential pick.

According to the publication, Kennedy Jr went to Mar-a-Lago the day after Trump's landslide victory, and Cheryl was with him as Trump offered the Health and Human Services Secretary position.

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