The 10 Other Kennedys: A Deep Dive Into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Siblings And Their Historic Political Split

The Kennedy family is arguably the most famous political dynasty in American history, but in 2024, it is also one of the most publicly divided. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental lawyer and activist, is one of 11 children born to the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. His 2024 independent presidential campaign and subsequent endorsement of Donald Trump have created a profound and historic rift, leading to public condemnation from a significant portion of his own family. This article offers an in-depth look at his ten siblings, their individual lives, and the dramatic political split that has captured the nation's attention, providing the most current information as of December 2025. The complexity of the relationship between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (often referred to as RFK Jr.) and his brothers and sisters stems from a deep commitment to the traditional Democratic Party values of their father and uncles, which they feel RFK Jr.'s political trajectory has betrayed. While the family remains close on a personal level, their political disagreements have spilled into the public sphere, making headlines and highlighting the deep ideological chasm within the legendary clan.

The 11 Children of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy: A Complete Biography List

Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy married in 1950 and had a remarkable 11 children, a family unit that became a symbol of American political royalty and tragedy. The family grew rapidly, with the youngest, Rory, born after her father's assassination in 1968. This large family has produced politicians, activists, authors, and filmmakers, all carrying the weight and legacy of the Kennedy name. Here is a complete list of the 11 siblings in birth order, including their current activities and notable achievements:

• Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (b. 1951): The eldest child, Kathleen is a lawyer and politician who served as the sixth Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. She is a former Director of Retirement Security at the Economic Policy Institute and a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party.
• Joseph Patrick Kennedy II (b. 1952): A former Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts (1987–1999). Joseph is the founder, president, and chairman of Citizens Energy Corp., a non-profit organization that provides affordable energy and home heating to low-income families.
• Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (b. 1954): The subject of this article, RFK Jr. is an environmental lawyer, author, and political activist. He is the founder of the environmental non-profit Waterkeeper Alliance.
• David Anthony Kennedy (1955–1984): David struggled with drug addiction and passed away at the age of 28 from an overdose. His life became a symbol of the "Kennedy curse" and the struggles faced by the family.
• Mary Courtney Kennedy (b. 1956): Courtney has worked with the United Nations on issues related to children's health and has dedicated her life to humanitarian causes.
• Michael LeMoyne Kennedy (1958–1997): Michael was the head of the non-profit Citizens Energy Corp. (founded by his brother Joseph) until his tragic death in a skiing accident at the age of 39.
• Mary Kerry Kennedy (b. 1959): Kerry is a prominent human rights activist and lawyer. She is the president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a non-profit organization that advocates for social justice and human rights worldwide. She is one of the most vocal critics of her brother's political campaign.
• Christopher George Kennedy (b. 1963): Christopher is a businessman and former chairman of the board of trustees for the University of Illinois. He is the former president of Merchandise Mart Properties.
• Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy (b. 1965): Known as Max, he is an author, lawyer, and maritime historian. Max has been active in Democratic politics, including managing his uncle Edward M. Kennedy's re-election campaign in 2000.
• Douglas Harriman Kennedy (b. 1967): Douglas is a journalist and television news correspondent, having worked for Fox News and other outlets.
• Rory Elizabeth Katherine Kennedy (b. 1968): The youngest of the 11 children, Rory is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work often focuses on social issues and human rights. She was born six months after her father's assassination.

The Historic Political Rift: Why RFK Jr.'s Siblings Publicly Opposed His Campaign

The political division within the Kennedy family is not merely a private disagreement; it is a historic public rupture. For a family synonymous with the Democratic Party, the decision by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run as an independent, and later to endorse Donald Trump, was seen by many of his siblings as a fundamental betrayal of the family's legacy and values. The most intense public scrutiny came when four of his siblings—Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy II, Kerry Kennedy, and Max Kennedy—issued a joint statement on the very day RFK Jr. announced his independent bid. They called his campaign "dangerous," arguing that his political trajectory was inconsistent with the principles of their father, Robert F. Kennedy Sr. The siblings collectively endorsed President Joe Biden, making a clear and decisive statement about their allegiance to the mainstream Democratic platform.

The Fallout from the Trump Endorsement

The family rift reached its most dramatic point when RFK Jr. suspended his independent campaign and publicly endorsed Republican candidate Donald Trump. This move provoked another round of public criticism from his siblings, who viewed the endorsement as a final, unforgivable political act. * Max Kennedy's Heartbreak: Max Kennedy, in particular, expressed his deep disappointment, stating he was "heartbroken" over his brother's decision. He implored the public to disregard the endorsement, emphasizing that RFK Jr.'s political views do not represent the core values of the Kennedy family. * Kerry Kennedy's Stance: Kerry Kennedy, a lifelong human rights advocate and president of the RFK Human Rights organization, has been one of the most vocal critics. She has consistently framed her brother's campaign as a dangerous distraction and a threat to democratic institutions, echoing the collective family sentiment. The siblings' public opposition is rooted in their perception of RFK Jr.'s embrace of conspiracy theories and his anti-vaccine stance, which they believe undermines the scientific and public health consensus championed by many Democratic leaders. This political split is a powerful illustration of how deep-seated ideological differences can supersede even the closest family ties, especially within a family whose identity is so inextricably linked to public service and politics.

The Kennedy Siblings' Enduring Commitment to Public Service and Activism

Despite the current political turmoil surrounding their brother, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s siblings have maintained their own deep-seated commitment to the family's tradition of public service, albeit through more conventional and established channels. Their collective work forms a powerful, albeit quieter, counter-narrative to their brother's controversial path. The extensive careers of the siblings provide a strong foundation for the family's topical authority in key areas: * Environmental Advocacy (The Original RFK Jr. Path): Before his political pivot, RFK Jr. was renowned for his work with the Waterkeeper Alliance, a legacy that his siblings and cousins continue to honor through their own environmental and social justice efforts. * Human Rights and Social Justice: Kerry Kennedy's leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is a direct continuation of their father's legacy. The organization works globally to protect activists, promote the rule of law, and advance social change, partnering with "the bravest people on earth." This entity is a key pillar of the family's continued impact. * Poverty and Energy Assistance: Joseph P. Kennedy II's work with Citizens Energy Corp. is a practical, direct-action approach to public service. His non-profit has helped millions of low-income families in the U.S. and Central America afford heating and other essential energy needs, demonstrating a commitment to economic justice. * Political and Legal Expertise: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's experience as Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, coupled with her legal and policy work, showcases the family's enduring presence in mainstream Democratic politics and policy-making. The political split over RFK Jr.'s 2024 campaign has inadvertently drawn attention back to the work of his siblings, re-emphasizing the traditional Kennedy commitment to progressive values, environmental protection, and human rights advocacy. While the family name is currently associated with division, the individual careers of Kathleen, Joseph, Kerry, and the other siblings ensure that the legacy of public service established by their parents and uncles remains a powerful force in American civic life. The current political climate has forced the siblings to choose between family unity and political principle, and their collective choice has been a powerful defense of the Democratic political tradition.

Disclaimer: This article provides information based on publicly available news and biographical data as of December 2025. The political views and actions of individuals are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or publisher.