Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently revealed that he is under investigation for an incident that occurred 20 years ago involving the decapitation of a dead whale and transporting its skull across state lines. This admission came during a campaign event for former President Trump after Kennedy received a letter from the National Marine Fisheries Institute notifying him of the investigation. Kennedy expressed his belief that this investigation is part of a larger effort to use the government against political opponents.
The incident in question was first made public in a 2012 interview with Kennedy’s daughter, Kick Kennedy, in Town and Country Magazine. According to Kick, her father cut the head off a dead whale, strapped it to the roof of their vehicle, and drove from Massachusetts to New York with it. The left-wing environmental group, the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, has called for an investigation into the incident, claiming that possession of a dead whale is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Acts.
The whale transportation incident has sparked controversy due to potential violations of the Lacey Act, which prohibits the transportation of wildlife that was obtained illegally under state, federal, or international regulations. Kick Kennedy recalled the uncomfortable experience of traveling with the decapitated whale head, with whale juice pouring into the car and receiving negative reactions from other drivers on the highway. Despite the unusual and grotesque nature of the incident, it appeared to be just another day for the Kennedy family.
Amidst the controversy surrounding the whale incident, Kennedy faced additional scrutiny for admitting to dumping the body of a dead bear in New York City’s Central Park over a decade ago. These incidents have contributed to a negative public perception of Kennedy’s actions and behaviors. The Center for Biological Diversity’s resurfacing of the whale story coincided with his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse former President Trump, leading some to speculate about political motivations behind the investigation.
Overall, the investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s involvement in the decapitation and transportation of a dead whale has sparked debate and controversy. While some view it as a potential violation of environmental protection laws, others see it as a politically motivated attack on Kennedy. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Kennedy will face for his actions. The resurfacing of this story has brought renewed attention to Kennedy’s previous controversial actions, including the dumping of a dead bear in Central Park, further complicating his public image.
