Overview
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the remark on Theo Von’s podcast released Feb. 12, framing it within his 43 years of recovery and his reliance on daily meetings.
- He described continuing in-person “pirate” recovery meetings during COVID-19 after usual locations shut down, saying he viewed untreated addiction as the greater risk.
- A short clip of the exchange drew millions of views within hours on social platforms as it was rapidly reposted by prominent accounts.
- Protect Our Care urged Kennedy to step down and its president, Brad Woodhouse, posted “Resign,” while elected officials including Pennsylvania Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta voiced distrust of his public-health leadership.
- Kennedy, nominated by President Trump and confirmed as HHS secretary in early 2025, has long acknowledged past drug arrests and says daily meetings are central to maintaining his sobriety; no resignation or official HHS response was reported.