RFK Jr. apologizes for comments about Black kids he claims he didn’t say

The Hill
by Joseph Choi
April 22, 2026
4 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. apologized for past comments about Black children, despite denying he made them.

AI Summary

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. apologized for past comments he made about Black children being “re-parented,” even while claiming he did not make the remarks. This apology comes despite a recording existing of Kennedy making the comments, which were questioned by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). The incident highlights scrutiny over Kennedy's past statements and his current role within the Trump administration. His denial in the face of recorded evidence raises questions about accountability and public trust.

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Newsom demands answers from RFK Jr. over past comments about Black children on ADHD meds being ‘re-parented’
Politics

Newsom demands answers from RFK Jr. over past comments about Black children on ADHD meds being ‘re-parented’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday said he demands answers from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding comments the secretary made in an interview in 2024 about Black children on certain Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications being “re-parented.” “We’ve known RFK Jr. has been unfit to serve as Secretary, but…

The HillApr 18
Federal Judge Calls RFK Jr. an “Unsafe” Leader in Order Protecting Trans Youth Health Care
Civil Rights

Federal Judge Calls RFK Jr. an “Unsafe” Leader in Order Protecting Trans Youth Health Care

In a scathing ruling describing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as an “unserious” and “unsafe” leader, a federal judge in Oregon issued an order that will protect doctors and hospitals, and the transgender kids they treat, from the federal crackdown on gender-affirming care. On Saturday, US District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai […]

Mother JonesApr 21
RFK Jr agenda suffers another loss as trans advocates hail ‘huge step forward’
Civil Rights

RFK Jr agenda suffers another loss as trans advocates hail ‘huge step forward’

<p>Judge’s repeal of Trump ban on gender-affirming care for children ‘a meaningful win for patients’, experts say</p><p>A federal judge overturned the Trump administration’s ban on gender-affirming care for children on Saturday, decrying Robert F Kennedy Jr’s “wanton disregard” for the law that “causes very real harm to very real people”.</p><p>It’s another loss for Kennedy’s agenda as secretary for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the second Trump administration – an agenda that has focused on restricting healthcare, including vaccines, abortion and gender-affirming care.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/23/rfk-jr-agenda-trans-care-children">Continue reading...</a>

The Guardian US NewsApr 23
RFK Jr. defends vaccine guidance changes and health spending cuts
Health

RFK Jr. defends vaccine guidance changes and health spending cuts

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was back testifying on Capitol Hill, giving members of Congress a chance to press him on some of the biggest changes he's making on spending cuts, vaccines and other public health issues. Lisa Desjardins reports.

PBS NewsHourApr 22
Watch: Congressman spars with RFK Jr. about Trump's mental fitness
Politics

Watch: Congressman spars with RFK Jr. about Trump's mental fitness

Democratic Rep. Mark Takano of California sparred with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about President Trump's mental fitness. Takano asked Kennedy whether he would insist that the president undergo an assessment of his mental fitness and emotional stability, to which the secretary responded, "Absolutely not."

CBS NewsApr 17
A ‘burgeoning black market’, inflated dosing and the over-judicialization of health care: reporters around the world tell stories about Keytruda
Health

A ‘burgeoning black market’, inflated dosing and the over-judicialization of health care: reporters around the world tell stories about Keytruda

In a yearlong investigation led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, reporters from more than 37 countries found the cancer drug’s high price impacts patients and health systems differently.

ICIJApr 21
Read Next
Exclusive: US EEOC Chair violated ethics rules halting LGBTQ cases, complaint alleges - Reuters
Civil Rights

Exclusive: US EEOC Chair violated ethics rules halting LGBTQ cases, complaint alleges - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixAFBVV95cUxOR1pFeFRXbUd4Skg5VzliWHotZ3hKU0E2MDFBbDdpWlRnY2FKeHFkRmc1TElHdV8xODhYQnpBdk81NS1hdTF6bllRUUFPY1ZlRUl3LW9nT0EtRVUyUkoxTzcyNkNJVHg0NGZCM2cwSTBnbGljNzIzc0pweTJVY3ctS29YN0l0bDRkTDFyVEZ5UUFqek5INXlJdVdIM1VFRjM1R1kyaERCcTRMVHNYNDU2UUZzRmUzcE9GcWl5UGZqZEsxaHZ1?oc=5" target="_blank">Exclusive: US EEOC Chair violated ethics rules halting LGBTQ cases, complaint alleges</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources