Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration, is set to become one of the most powerful Kennedys in recent history. Despite his family’s storied legacy and influence in American politics, RFK Jr.’s personal wealth is modest compared to other family members. Forbes estimates his net worth to be around $15 million, including assets shared with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. RFK Jr. is the fourth descendant of Joe Kennedy to run for president, but unlike others, he does not have the financial backing of the broader family.
RFK Jr.’s wealth comes from various sources, including his share in the Kennedy family trusts, which date back to the 1920s. He also has investments in real estate, such as a stake in the Wolf Point development in downtown Chicago, alongside the Kennedy family and Houston-based property giant Hines. Additionally, RFK Jr. has assets in stock, private equity, and hedge funds managed by the family’s Park Financial Holdings, as well as a stake in oil-and-gas leases through Arctic Royalty. His law firm, Kennedy & Madonna LLP, has brought in more than $5 million in income, with notable victories in pollution cases.
The bulk of RFK Jr.’s wealth is held in his Los Angeles home and investments made by his wife, Cheryl Hines. Hines, known for her role on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, earned over $1 million in 2022 and early 2023 from acting gigs. RFK Jr. also works as a consultant for law firms and Children’s Health Defense, a nonprofit he founded to address various issues, including vaccine safety. The couple holds between $100,000 and $250,000 worth of Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency they purchased after RFK Jr. spoke at a conference earlier in the year.
Despite his family’s historic wealth and influence, RFK Jr. has chosen a more modest approach to funding his political ambitions. He relies on donations from supporters on social media, rather than tapping into the Kennedy family fortune. His campaign for president is fueled by his dedication to upholding values of public service and addressing pressing issues facing the country. As he vies for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr.’s background in law, activism, and public service positions him as a formidable and capable candidate for the role.
With a mix of family wealth, personal earnings, and investments, RFK Jr. represents a new generation of Kennedys navigating the complexities of managing both financial resources and public expectations. His modest personal wealth, compared to his family’s historic fortune, reflects a shift in priorities and strategies for pursuing political ambitions. As he steps into a position of significant power and influence, RFK Jr. carries with him a legacy of public service and a commitment to making meaningful change in health and food policy for the benefit of all Americans.
