“It was a pretty fierce statement,” says a source close to the Democratic political dynasty.
“She’s so, so private and her speaking out — as harshly as she did — about her cousin is shocking,” this source tells PEOPLE, calling it “a complete departure for her.”
In her statement, Caroline assailed her cousin’s choices over the years and his lack of medical qualifications.
“It was often a perverse scene of despair and violence,” she said.
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Caroline said her previous silence was for personal and professional reasons, growing up as one of “a close generation of 28 cousins who have been through a lot together.”
“I did not comment, not only because I was serving in a government position as United States ambassador to Australia, but because I have never wanted to speak publicly about my family members and their challenges,” she said. (She stepped down as an ambassador in November.)
But now, Caroline said, the country’s health care community, “for all its flaws,” deserves “a secretary committed to advancing cutting-edge medicine to save lives, not rejecting the advances we have already made.”
From left: Caroline Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty; Kevin Dietsch/Getty
Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty; Kevin Dietsch/Getty
He has drawn scrutiny for his nomination to oversee the federal government’s health agencies, given his lack of medical or science training.
He plans to tell the Senate this week that he is not opposed to vaccines and to say his children are immunized,Bloomberg News reported.
A former Democrat, he campaigned with Trump in last year’s election on a platform to “make America healthy again,” going after pharmaceutical companies and other parts of the health care industry. His positionshave also stoked controversy.
In order to be confirmed as the health secretary, he will need at least 50 senators' votes — and Vice President JD Vance to break the tie.
The source who knows the Kennedy family says it’s an open question whether or not Caroline’s criticisms hold weight these days.
“In some ways,” says the source, “it’s too little and too late.”
source: people.com
