Kennedy Family Member Discusses Political Divide on RFK Jr.'s Actions

Tim Shriver, nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and CEO of UNITE, discussed the political differences within the Kennedy family during an appearance on 'Special Report' on Tuesday. He stated that the divide over Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has affected family members across generations, including his own siblings and children.

The differences became public when Robert F.

Kennedy Jr. ran for president initially as a Democrat, then as an independent, and later endorsed a Republican candidate. In August 2024, several Kennedy family members issued a statement in response to the endorsement.

“Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story.”

A year later, some family members urged Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign from his position as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Shriver, who is Robert F.

Kennedy Jr.'s cousin, said he plans to have dinner with him next week. He noted a similar approach in 2024, when he hosted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Thanksgiving despite the recent endorsement and family statement. Shriver stated that such divisions contribute to broader societal issues, adding that estimates indicate about 100 million Americans have ended family relationships due to differences.

his organization UNITE, Shriver has developed the 'Dignity Index,' a tool to measure contempt in communication and promote dignified interactions. The index evaluates attitudes ranging from recognizing inherent worth in others to viewing opponents as threats that must be opposed. Shriver expressed hope that the tool could help repair family relationships and reduce political contention.