Overview
Timelines
Relationships and Public Perception
Legal and Activist Career
Public Recognition and Awards
Controversies and Criticisms
Early Life and Education
Recent Developments and Future Role
Family Legacy and Public Profile
Overview and main events
Media and Public Appearances
Personal Life and Marriages
Career in Environmental Law
Political Career and Activism
Chronicle
Articles
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. Overview and main events
Overview and main events
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C., is an American environmental lawyer, activist, and member of the prominent Kennedy political family. He has been a leading figure in environmental and health advocacy, though his career has also been marked by significant controversies, particularly regarding vaccine skepticism and other health-related issues.
January 17, 1954
Birth
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., to Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, making him a part of the influential Kennedy family.
Early Education and Harvard University
Education
Kennedy attended Harvard University, where he studied, and later continued his education at the London School of Economics. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School and later earned a master’s degree in environmental law from Pace University School of Law.
1980s-1990s
Environmental Activism
Kennedy began his career as an environmental lawyer, serving as the senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council and chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper. His work led to significant environmental victories, including the restoration of the Hudson River and the establishment of 300 Waterkeeper organizations globally.
2007 and 2017
Major Legal Victories
Kennedy was part of the trial teams that won significant settlements against the DuPont Company for toxic dumping and contamination. He also participated in a class action lawsuit against Monsanto for its use of glyphosate in Roundup, which was evaluated as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization.
2013 and 2016
Protests and Advocacy
Kennedy was arrested in Washington, D.C., while protesting the Keystone XL pipeline and participated in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline at the Standing Rock Reservation. These actions highlighted his commitment to Indigenous rights and environmental conservation.
2021
Social Media Controversy
Kennedy's Instagram account was deactivated by Meta due to his spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, further highlighting his controversial stance on vaccination.
April 2023
Presidential Campaign Announcement
Kennedy launched his campaign for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the 2024 U.S. presidential election but later switched to an independent campaign in October 2023.
August 2024
Suspension of Presidential Campaign
Kennedy suspended his independent presidential campaign and endorsed the Republican nominee, Donald Trump. Following Trump's election victory, Kennedy was selected to serve as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Trump’s administration.
