Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is caught in daily clashes with people who think he is destroying science, including members of his own family, and those who think he is saving it. But as he takes on the medical establishment, what led to his decision to turn away from Democrats, the party of his famous father and uncle, to become a backer of President Trump?
Clip: Why RFK Jr. turned away from Democrats and backed Trump
Nov. 28, 2025 AT 8:20 p.m. EST
FROM THIS EPISODE
Clip: Kennedy’s battles with the medical establishment and the health agencies he oversees
This month’s cover story in The Atlantic provides a revealing look at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s robust effort to undermine and even overthrow whatever is left of the American medical consensus. The story comes from a series of interviews about Kennedy's life, his views and his many, many controversies, even as the staff of the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services warned him against it.
Full Episode: Washington Week with The Atlantic full episode, 11/28/25
Even in an administration filled with unorthodox characters, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., stands out. He's more famous, more popular and more influential than any of his peers. And he's the most important figure in American health and science today. Join moderator Jeffrey Goldberg, Michael Scherer of The Atlantic, Dan Diamond of The Washington Post and Julie Rovner of KFF Health News to discuss.
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