Caroline Kennedy

On 28 January 2025, on the eve of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearings as Health Secretary, Caroline Kennedy, then ambassador to Australia, posted a video and sent senators a letter calling her cousin a 'predator' and unqualified for the post. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed in February 2025.

State of the evidence

Public letter and video.

Legal status — source text

No proceedings.

Attribution

Public accusations against a family member nominated to a cabinet post.

In January 2014, shortly after arriving as U.S. ambassador to Japan, Caroline Kennedy tweeted that she was 'deeply concerned' by the inhumaneness of the dolphin hunt at Taiji, adding that the U.S. government opposed it. The Japanese government defended a traditional and legal practice.

State of the evidence

Public message and official reactions.

Legal status — source text

No proceedings.

Attribution

Public criticism of a Japanese practice by an ambassador.

In late 2008 Caroline Kennedy sought to be appointed by Governor David Paterson to the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, who had become Secretary of State. She withdrew on 21 January 2009, citing personal reasons. The governor's camp pointed to problems involving taxes and a household employee found during vetting, which her camp disputed.

State of the evidence

Conflicting accounts reported by the press.

Legal status — source text

No proceedings.

Attribution

Questions about her taxes and a household employee, according to the governor's camp.