HHS Secretary Under Fire for Swimming in Polluted Creek with Grandchildren

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked controversy after posting photos of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., despite an official health advisory due to high levels of bacteria in the water. The National Park Service has warned the public to avoid contact with the water, citing high levels of bacteria and infectious pathogens that can cause illness in humans and pets. This is not the first incident to raise questions about Kennedy's judgment, following a series of episodes including an investigation into his handling of a dead whale and allegations of picking up an injured bear cub.

Key Takeaways:

  • HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted photos of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., despite an official health advisory due to high levels of bacteria in the water.
  • The National Park Service has warned the public to avoid contact with the water, citing high levels of bacteria and infectious pathogens that can cause illness in humans and pets.
  • This is not the first incident to raise questions about Kennedy's judgment, following a series of episodes including an investigation into his handling of a dead whale and allegations of picking up an injured bear cub.
  • Kennedy allegedly cut the head off a dead whale and took it home 20 years ago, according to the National Marine Fisheries Institute investigation.
  • Kennedy also shared that he had picked up an injured bear cub in New York City with plans to skin it and later left it in Central Park, NBC News reported.
  • Kennedy suffered from neurocysticercosis, a brain infection caused by tapeworm larvae from pork, and has recovered, NBC News said.
  • The illness can lead to seizures, headaches, memory loss, and more.

Statistics:

  • 1971: The year when swimming in Rock Creek, Potomac River, and nearby waters was banned due to contamination.
  • 2022: The year when a report from the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority showed "chronic elevated levels" of E.coli in Rock Creek.
  • 2024: The year when Kennedy allegedly picked up an injured bear cub in New York City and later left it in Central Park, according to the Associated Press.

Sources:

  • NBC News, May 12, 2025
  • Associated Press, Sept. 19, 2024
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (no specific date mentioned in the original text)