Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in his first sit-down interview since announcing support for former President Donald Trump, addressed the current turmoil within his own family on “Fox News Sunday” with Shannon Bream. The conversation also addressed the discomfort relayed by his wife, Cheryl Hines, and criticism he faced from other Kennedy family members.
Afterward, Bream read from a letter that Kennedy’s siblings put out on Friday against his endorsement of Trump. Kennedy opened by acknowledging his deep Democratic roots (and a spiritual connection to Biden, whom he dubbed “president Joe.”)
“You know, my family is at the center of the Democratic Party. I have members of my family that are working for the Biden administration. Biden has a bust of my father behind him at the Oval Office, and he’s been a family friend for many years,” Kennedy said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdbqI4SrV4A
“My family is – I understand that they’re troubled by my decisions. I love my family. I feel like we were raised in a milieu where we were encouraged to debate each other and debate ferociously and passionately about things and still love each other,” he added. “They’re free to take their positions on these issues. There are many, many members of my family working at my campaign and who are supporting me.”
Kennedy has previously admitted that his political decisions took a toll on his wife as well. Kennedy noted Hines’ social media comments in his ruling, saying that he was “very uncomfortable” with what she said.
But his siblings have since gave an explicit endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We want an America filled with hope and bound together by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise and national pride,” a statement signed by five of the former third-party presidential candidate’s siblings said.
“I think we all need to be able to disagree with each other and still love each other,” Kennedy said in response to the letter.
“We believe in Harris and Walz,” the statement continued. “Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump [Friday] is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story.”
