Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Net Worth: From Democrat Family To Trump Ally.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Net Worth: From Democrat Family To Trump Ally.
What is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s net worth?
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is an American radio personality, attorney, and activist with a net worth estimated at $20 million. Like all members of the Kennedy family, he benefits from a substantial real estate and investment portfolio established by his grandfather, Joseph Kennedy. The precise size and valuation of the family trust remain undisclosed. In 1957, Fortune Magazine approximated Joseph Kennedy's net worth to be between $200 million and $400 million, positioning him among the 15 wealthiest individuals in the United States at that time.
Following the assassination of Robert's uncle, John F. Kennedy, in 1963, his net worth was recorded at $12 million. Similarly, after the assassination of Robert's father in 1968, his net worth was noted at $14 million. When adjusted for inflation, both amounts equate to approximately $100 million in today's currency.
As discussed later in this article, Robert possesses a residence in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles valued at around $7 million, as well as a property within the renowned Hyannis Port compound of his family, which is challenging to appraise due to its unlikely availability for sale. Previously, Robert and his wife, Cheryl Hines, owned a Malibu home, which they sold to the ex-wife of Kenny G for $6 million in 2017.
Additionally, a financial disclosure from June 2023 indicates that Robert earned $8 million in the year spanning from April 2022 to April 2023, primarily through speaking engagements and legal consulting services.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the offspring of Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of former U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. His father, known as Bobby, was assassinated when Robert Jr. was just 14 years old. Robert Jr. has gained notoriety for his numerous contentious public remarks, particularly concerning the anti-vaccine movement and various conspiracy theories.
Early Life
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C. He is the third of eleven children born to Ethel Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who also served as Attorney General. His upbringing took place in both McLean, Virginia, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where the family owned residences. He completed his early education at Georgetown Preparatory School located in North Bethesda, Maryland.
At the age of 14, Kennedy experienced the tragic assassination of his father, who was a candidate in the 1968 Democratic presidential primaries. He received the devastating news while attending school in Maryland and promptly traveled to Los Angeles to be by his father's side, who was critically injured but still alive. He arrived just in time to be with his father during his final moments and later took on the role of pallbearer at the funeral.
Following this, Kennedy attended Palfrey Street School in Massachusetts before moving on to Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History and Literature. He subsequently pursued legal studies at the University of Virginia, obtaining his Juris Doctor degree, and later attended Pace University, where he completed a Master of Laws.
Legal Career
Kennedy commenced his professional journey in 1983 as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. In 1984, he transitioned to Hudson Riverkeeper, initially serving as an investigator before being elevated to senior attorney in 1985 upon his admission to the New York bar.
In 1987, he established the Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law, where he held the positions of supervising attorney and co-director for thirty years. Through this clinic, Kennedy collaborated with law students on various environmental matters, including ensuring compliance of wastewater treatment facilities with the Clean Water Act. Notably, in a 2010 case, the clinic successfully compelled ExxonMobil to remediate millions of gallons of oil resulting from refinery spills in Brooklyn, New York.
In 2000, Kennedy co-founded the environmental law firm Kennedy & Madonna, LLP, with attorney Kevin Madonna, specializing in environmental litigation. Among their significant cases, they represented the Ramapough Mountain Indian Tribe in a dispute with Ford Motor Company concerning the disposal of toxic waste on tribal lands.
They also took action against DuPont regarding contamination linked to a zinc plant in West Virginia. For his contributions to this case, Kennedy was recognized as one of three finalists for the "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award by Public Justice. In 2016, he joined Morgan & Morgan P.A. as counsel.
Throughout his legal career, Kennedy has also concentrated on advocating for impoverished and minority communities affected by environmental pollution, indigenous rights, and the pollution associated with factory farming. He has been a proponent of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy and has expressed strong criticism of the oil industry.
Vaccine Beliefs
Kennedy serves as the chairman of Children's Health Defense, an advocacy organization that contends that exposure to specific chemicals and radiation is a primary factor contributing to various conditions in children, including autism, food allergies, ADHD, and several autoimmune diseases. He has been notably outspoken within the anti-vaccine movement, frequently asserting a connection between certain vaccines and autism. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he expressed his belief that numerous government officials and organizations were seeking to benefit financially from the mass vaccination efforts against COVID-19.
Personal Life
In April 1982, Kennedy entered into matrimony with Emily Ruth Black, whom he had encountered during their time at the University of Virginia's law school. Their union produced two children: Robert Francis Kennedy III and Kathleen Alexandra Kennedy. However, in 1992, the couple opted for separation, culminating in an official divorce in 1994.
Subsequently, in April 1994, Kennedy wed Mary Kathleen Richardson in a ceremony held aboard a research vessel on the Hudson River. Together, they welcomed four children: Conor Richardson Kennedy, Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy, William Finbar Kennedy, and Aidan Caohman Kennedy. In 2010, Kennedy initiated divorce proceedings against Mary. Tragically, in 2012, Mary was discovered deceased at her residence in Mount Kisco, New York, with her death determined to be a suicide by asphyxiation through hanging.
In April 2014, Kennedy married actress and director Cheryl Hines at the Kennedy compound in Massachusetts. Their introduction was facilitated by mutual acquaintance Larry David, who was familiar with Hines from his HBO series, "Curb Your Enthusiasm." The couple began their romantic relationship in 2012.
Drug and Marital Issues
Throughout his life, Kennedy faced numerous controversies, including charges related to the possession of marijuana and heroin. In 1983, at the age of 29, he was arrested at an airport in South Dakota for heroin possession after nearly experiencing an overdose during a flight. As a consequence, he received a sentence of two years of probation along with 1,500 hours of community service.
Following this incident, he sought help by entering a drug rehabilitation facility. In 2013, excerpts from Kennedy's 2001 diary were published by the New York Post, revealing that he had engaged in multiple extramarital affairs during his marriages.
Real Estate Ventures
In September 2014, shortly after their marriage, Robert and Cheryl acquired a property in Malibu for $4.995 million. They subsequently sold this residence in June 2017 for slightly over $6 million to Lyndie Benson, the former wife of musician Kenny G.
In the same month as the Malibu sale, Robert and Cheryl purchased a mansion in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, specifically in Mandeville Canyon, for $5.2 million. This Cape Cod-style residence spans 4,908 square feet and features six bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The entryway opens into a formal living room adorned with oak hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry, wood-beamed ceilings, and a stone fireplace.
The formal dining room includes built-in shelves, a wood ceiling, and a Dutch door that leads to the backyard. The galley-style kitchen is equipped with tile floors, granite, and butcher block countertops. The master suite boasts a step-up soaking tub encased in marble, dual vanities, two master closets, and a fireplace. The outdoor area features a brick terrace with a fire pit, a swimming pool, and a spa. Additionally, a rustic-style guest house is situated above the garage, complete with a small kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s life has been marked by both remarkable achievements and controversies. As an influential environmental attorney and prominent public figure, his wealth of $20 million reflects his diverse career, including lucrative speaking engagements and legal work. However, his outspoken views, particularly on vaccines, have attracted significant criticism and division.
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Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life and beliefs, Kennedy’s enduring legacy as a member of the Kennedy family and his continued advocacy for environmental causes solidify his place in American history. His real estate investments and continued success further contribute to his financial standing.
