The 10 Children Of Robert F. Kennedy: A Deep Dive Into RFK Jr.'s Siblings And The Dramatic Political Divide

The Kennedy family remains one of the most scrutinized and influential dynasties in American history, and as of late 2025, the focus has dramatically shifted to the ten siblings of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. While RFK Jr. has dominated headlines with his political ventures, the lives and careers of his brothers and sisters—ranging from former high-ranking politicians to award-winning documentary filmmakers—reveal a complex tapestry of public service, tragedy, and a deep-seated commitment to the family's legacy.

This article provides an in-depth look at the complete list of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s siblings, detailing their individual accomplishments and the profound political chasm that has recently placed them in direct opposition to their brother, creating a unique and highly public family drama.

The Complete Biography of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 10 Siblings

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the third of eleven children born to Robert F. Kennedy (RFK Sr.) and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. Their lives have been marked by both extraordinary privilege and profound tragedy, often referred to under the shadow of the "Kennedy Curse." The following is a detailed profile of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ten brothers and sisters, listed in order of birth.

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• Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (Born: July 4, 1951)
  • Profession: Attorney, Politician, Author.
  • Notable Role: Served as the sixth Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003, making her the first woman to hold that office. She has also served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the United States and is currently a research director at the Economic Policy Institute.
• Joseph Patrick Kennedy II (Born: September 24, 1952)
  • Profession: Businessman, Former Politician.
  • Notable Role: Served as a Democratic U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 8th congressional district from 1987 to 1999. He is the founder of Citizens Energy Corporation, a non-profit organization that provides low-cost heating oil and other services to low-income families.
• Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (Born: January 17, 1954)
  • Profession: Environmental Lawyer, Politician, Author. (The subject of this article's family connection).
• David Anthony Kennedy (Born: June 15, 1955 – Died: April 25, 1984)
  • Tragedy: David struggled with drug addiction following the assassination of his father, which he witnessed on television. He tragically died of an overdose of cocaine, Demerol, and Mellaril in a Palm Beach hotel room at the age of 28.
• Mary Courtney Kennedy Hill (Born: September 9, 1956)
  • Profession: Human-Rights Activist, Photographer.
  • Notable Role: Courtney has dedicated her career to human rights, including work on pediatric AIDS for the United Nations. She is known for her documentary and portrait photography.
• Michael LeMoyne Kennedy (Born: February 27, 1958 – Died: December 31, 1997)
  • Tragedy: Michael, a lawyer and activist, died in a tragic skiing accident in Aspen, Colorado, at the age of 39. He crashed into a tree while skiing with family members.
• Mary Kerry Kennedy (Born: September 8, 1959)
  • Profession: Human Rights Activist, Author, Lawyer.
  • Notable Role: Kerry is the current President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a leading organization that advocates for social justice. She is a New York Times best-selling author and has dedicated her life to her father's legacy of fighting for human rights globally.
• Christopher George Kennedy (Born: July 4, 1963)
  • Profession: Businessman, Entrepreneur.
  • Notable Role: Christopher is the chairman of Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, Inc. He has a strong background in business and served as the chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. He also ran for Governor of Illinois in 2018.
• Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy (Max) (Born: January 11, 1965)
  • Profession: Lawyer, Author.
  • Notable Role: An attorney and author, Max has written several books, including *Danger's Hour: The Story of the USS Kitty Hawk and the Infamous 1984 'Riot'*. He has been one of the most vocal critics of his brother's recent political activities.
• Rory Elizabeth Katherine Kennedy (Born: December 12, 1968)
  • Profession: Documentary Filmmaker, Director, Producer.
  • Notable Role: An Academy Award-nominated and Primetime Emmy-winning filmmaker, Rory has directed over thirty socially conscious documentaries, including *Downfall: The Case Against Boeing* and *Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow*. She is the youngest of the eleven children.

The Stark Political Divide: A Family at War Over Ideology

The political landscape of the Kennedy family has always been complex, but the current situation, particularly in late 2025, has exposed a dramatic and public rift between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the vast majority of his siblings. This internal conflict centers on RFK Jr.’s political trajectory, specifically his independent presidential campaign and, most recently, his endorsement of a Republican candidate.

For decades, the Kennedy name has been synonymous with the Democratic Party, civil rights, and progressive causes. When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initially launched his independent bid for president, several of his siblings, including Kathleen, Joseph, Kerry, and Rory, publicly endorsed President Joe Biden, stating that RFK Jr.'s campaign was "perilous" and a threat to the family's core values.

The 'Betrayal' and Public Condemnation

The most significant and recent point of contention came when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent run and announced his support for former President Donald Trump. This move prompted an immediate and forceful public response from his siblings.

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Kerry Kennedy, the president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, stated that the endorsement was "heart-wrenching" and that she felt compelled to lead the opposition against her own brother's political decisions. Max Kennedy, another brother, implored the public to "ignore" his sibling's decision, calling the Trump alliance a "betrayal" of the Kennedy family's legacy and the principles of their father, Robert F. Kennedy Sr. This collective condemnation highlighted the deep ideological separation between RFK Jr. and his brothers and sisters, underscoring the enduring power of the Kennedy name in American politics.

The Enduring Kennedy Legacy: Activism and Public Service

Despite the current political turmoil, the careers of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s siblings collectively reflect the Kennedy family's long-standing tradition of public service and activism. The family has produced a former Congressman (Joseph P. Kennedy II), a Lieutenant Governor (Kathleen Kennedy Townsend), and a leading global human rights advocate (Kerry Kennedy).

Even the youngest sibling, Rory Kennedy, has channeled the family’s social consciousness into her work as a documentary filmmaker, focusing on social issues and human suffering worldwide. This commitment to social justice and political engagement is the shared heritage that makes the current political split so dramatic and compelling to the American public. The individual paths of RFK Jr.'s siblings demonstrate that while the family may be divided on one man's political choices, their collective impact on law, human rights, and public discourse remains a powerful force.

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