US Health Secretary RFK Jr Admits Past Cocaine Use, Sparking Resignation Calls
In a startling confession, United States Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has openly admitted to a history of severe drug abuse, including snorting cocaine off toilet seats. The revelation came during a candid interview with podcaster Theo Von on his show, This Past Weekend, where Kennedy discussed his decades-long recovery from alcohol and substance addiction.
Shocking Confession and Recovery Journey
Kennedy, often referred to as RFK Jr., made the eyebrow-raising statement while reflecting on his past struggles. "I'm not scared of a germ... I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats," he declared, emphasizing his lack of fear regarding germs due to his previous reckless behavior. He further elaborated on the gravity of his addiction, stating, "I know this disease will kill me... if I don't treat it, which means for me going to meetings every day. It's just bad for my life."
The conversation with Von delved into their shared history of drug abuse and their attendance at support meetings together before the COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellations. Undeterred, they formed a "pirate" group that continued meeting during the lockdowns, highlighting their commitment to recovery.
Immediate Backlash and Resignation Demands
The confession from the nation's top health official quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism. Protect Our Care, a non-profit organization advocating for affordable healthcare in the US, issued a strong statement calling for Kennedy's resignation. The group labeled him "the most dangerous, in over his head, ill-suited person ever to lead such an important federal agency that has life-and-death power." Brad Woodhouse, the organization's president, succinctly demanded, "Resign."
Social Media Uproar and Political Reactions
On social media platforms, the backlash intensified. Malcolm Kenyatta, a Democratic representative from Pennsylvania, expressed skepticism on X, posting, "For some reason I don't trust this guy on public health." Meanwhile, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, pointed out a perceived double standard in attitudes toward addiction, noting that the Trump administration had harshly criticized immigrants with drug addiction histories.
Background and Personal History
Kennedy has been transparent about his past drug addiction, which he traces back to the traumatic assassination of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, in June 1968 in Los Angeles, California. This personal history has shaped his public persona and now fuels the controversy surrounding his fitness to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
The interview has raised serious questions about judgment, credibility, and the appropriateness of having someone with such a checkered past in a pivotal role overseeing national health policy. As calls for his resignation mount, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges of addiction recovery and public trust in government leadership.
