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The 10 Siblings Of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: A Complete List And Their Shocking Political Rift In 2025

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The Kennedy family is arguably the most famous political dynasty in American history, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sits at the heart of its most recent, and perhaps most public, internal conflict. As of December 2025, the ten brothers and sisters of RFK Jr. have become a focal point of national conversation, not for their individual accomplishments as lawyers, activists, and filmmakers, but for their collective and decisive opposition to their brother's political trajectory, creating a generational schism that is both deeply personal and highly public. This article provides a complete, definitive list of all eleven children of Robert F. Kennedy Sr. and Ethel Kennedy, detailing the life and current activities of RFK Jr. and his ten siblings, and exploring the unprecedented political divide that has made headlines throughout the 2024 and 2025 political cycles.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Biography and Family Profile

Robert Francis Kennedy Jr., known widely as RFK Jr., is the third of the eleven children born to Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy and his wife, Ethel Skakel Kennedy. His life has been marked by a career in environmental law, a prominent role in the anti-vaccine movement, and a surprising leap into national politics.
  • Full Name: Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.
  • Date of Birth: January 17, 1954
  • Parents: Robert F. Kennedy Sr. and Ethel Skakel Kennedy
  • Position in Family: Third of eleven children
  • Spouses: Emily Ruth Black (m. 1982; div. 1994), Mary Richardson Kennedy (m. 1994; d. 2012), Cheryl Hines (m. 2014)
  • Children: Six (Robert F. Kennedy III, Kathleen Alexandra, Conor, Kyra, William, Aidan)
  • Education: Harvard University (B.A.), London School of Economics, University of Virginia School of Law (J.D.)
  • Career: Environmental lawyer, author, political activist, and politician. He co-founded the Waterkeeper Alliance and served as a senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

A Complete List of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 10 Siblings (The 11 Children of RFK Sr. and Ethel)

Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s family grew rapidly, with eleven children born between 1951 and 1968. This large family unit, though united by a powerful legacy, has seen its members take wildly different paths, leading to the current public disagreements. Here is the complete list of the eleven Kennedy children in birth order, with RFK Jr. highlighted as the third child:
  1. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (b. 1951): The eldest child, Kathleen has had a prominent career in politics. She served as the sixth Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. She is a strong advocate for Democratic politics and has been vocal in her opposition to her brother’s recent political moves.
  2. Joseph P. Kennedy II (b. 1952): A former politician, Joseph represented Massachusetts's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1999. He is the founder of Citizens Energy Corporation, a non-profit energy company.
  3. Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (b. 1954): The focus of this article, known for his environmental work and recent political campaigns.
  4. David Anthony Kennedy (1955–1984): David was a journalist and political activist who tragically died at the age of 28.
  5. Courtney Kennedy Hill (b. 1956): Courtney is involved in humanitarian and philanthropic work, maintaining a low public profile compared to some of her siblings.
  6. Michael LeMoyne Kennedy (1958–1997): Michael was the head of the non-profit organization Citizens Energy Corporation before his untimely death in a skiing accident at age 39.
  7. Kerry Kennedy (b. 1959): Kerry is one of the most visible activists in the family. She is the president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a non-profit organization focused on human rights advocacy. She has been one of the most outspoken critics of her brother's political rhetoric.
  8. Christopher George Kennedy (b. 1963): Christopher is a businessman and former politician who served as the chairman of Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, Inc. He ran for Governor of Illinois in 2018.
  9. Matthew "Max" Kennedy (b. 1965): Max is an author and activist, known for his work on environmental issues and social justice. He has been particularly vocal in expressing his disappointment over his brother's recent political alliances.
  10. Douglas Harriman Kennedy (b. 1967): Douglas is a journalist and correspondent, having worked for Fox News and other media outlets.
  11. Rory Elizabeth Katherine Kennedy (b. 1968): The youngest of the eleven, Rory is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker. She was born six months after her father's assassination. Her films often focus on social issues and human rights.

The Unprecedented Political Chasm: Endorsements and Condemnations in 2024-2025

The greatest public attention on the relationship between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his siblings came during the 2024 presidential election cycle and its aftermath in 2025. This period saw the family's political differences—historically kept private—erupt into a major national news story, providing fresh and unique content for political analysis.

The Collective Snub: Kennedy Family Endorses Joe Biden

In a stunning display of unity against their brother's independent campaign, over a dozen members of the extended Kennedy family—including several of his siblings—publicly endorsed President Joe Biden for re-election. This move was widely interpreted as an attempt to undermine RFK Jr.'s candidacy and prevent him from acting as a spoiler in the race. Kerry Kennedy, in particular, has been a leading voice, stating that her brother’s presidential bid was "perilous" for the country. The family members who backed Biden emphasized their commitment to the Democratic Party's core values, effectively separating themselves from RFK Jr.'s more controversial positions and independent platform.

The "Betrayal": Sibling Reaction to the Trump Endorsement

The political rift deepened dramatically in late 2024 when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent bid and subsequently endorsed Republican candidate Donald Trump. This decision was met with immediate and harsh condemnation from his siblings, who viewed it as a profound betrayal of the family's lifelong commitment to Democratic principles and civil rights. Max Kennedy, one of RFK Jr.'s younger brothers, publicly expressed his "heartbreak" over the endorsement. He implored the public to disregard his brother's decision, underscoring the deep personal and ideological pain the move caused within the family. Other siblings echoed this sentiment, stating that the endorsement showed the "dark side" of the complex Kennedy legacy. This public split provided a clear, current, and highly relevant narrative on the enduring power of political loyalty versus familial bonds.

The Enduring Legacy of the Kennedy Children

Despite the current political turmoil, the siblings of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continue to uphold the family's legacy of public service, albeit through different channels. Their careers span environmental advocacy, human rights, filmmaking, and business, demonstrating a collective commitment to issues that matter, even when their political methods diverge. Kerry Kennedy, through her work at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, remains a powerful voice for global justice. Joseph P. Kennedy II's Citizens Energy Corporation continues its mission to provide affordable heating oil to the poor. Rory Kennedy’s documentary work keeps the family name associated with compelling social narratives. The story of the eleven children of Robert F. Kennedy Sr. and Ethel Kennedy is a powerful illustration of how one of America’s most famous families grapples with modern political polarization. While Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has chosen a path outside the traditional family lines, the vast majority of his siblings have remained staunchly aligned with the Democratic ideals that defined their father's and uncle's careers. The public and highly visible nature of this political disagreement ensures that the "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. siblings" will remain a topic of intense interest for the foreseeable future.
robert f kennedy jr siblings
robert f kennedy jr siblings

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