CNN Panel Mocks RFK Jr.'s Bizarre Diary Entries

Lawmakers may question HHS Secretary about raccoon penis and other eyebrow-raising claims in new biography.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fragmented shapes and lines in shades of blue, red, and gold, conveying a sense of chaos and controversy surrounding a political figure.The bizarre personal revelations about the HHS Secretary have sparked a political firestorm, exposing the growing scrutiny of public officials' private lives.Washington Today

During a CNN discussion, Dana Bash and Manu Raju reacted with bemusement to reports of bizarre diary entries allegedly written by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The entries, from an upcoming biography, describe Kennedy cutting off a dead raccoon's penis and listing the women he has slept with. Bash and Raju suggested senators should question Kennedy about the claims during his upcoming testimony on Capitol Hill.

Why it matters

The revelations about Kennedy's reported diary entries raise questions about his judgment and fitness for public office, especially in his role overseeing the nation's health department. The story also highlights the increasing scrutiny and sensationalism surrounding high-profile political figures' personal lives.

The details

According to the upcoming biography 'RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise' by New York Post writer Isabel Vincent, Kennedy's diary allegedly includes an entry where he describes cutting the penis off a dead raccoon he found on the side of the road. The diary also reportedly contains a list of the women Kennedy has slept with. CNN's Dana Bash noted the network has not been able to verify the authenticity of the diary entries. However, Bash and Capitol Hill reporter Manu Raju suggested senators should question Kennedy about the claims during his upcoming testimony.

  • Kennedy is scheduled to testify before Congress on April 18, 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who is facing scrutiny over bizarre diary entries allegedly written by him that are set to be published in an upcoming biography.

Dana Bash

A CNN anchor and chief political correspondent who discussed the reported RFK Jr. diary entries on air.

Manu Raju

A CNN senior congressional correspondent who commented on the prospect of lawmakers questioning RFK Jr. about the diary entries during his upcoming congressional testimony.

Isabel Vincent

The author of the upcoming biography 'RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise,' which reportedly includes excerpts from RFK Jr.'s personal diary.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not even sure what to say about that!”

— Manu Raju, CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent

“But senators should ask him about any of this, and he should have to explain it. Why not? He's testifying in a public hearing.”

— Manu Raju, CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent

What’s next

Kennedy is scheduled to testify before Congress on April 18, 2026, where lawmakers may question him about the reported diary entries.

The takeaway

The revelations about RFK Jr.'s alleged diary entries have raised serious questions about his judgment and fitness for public office, especially in his role as Health and Human Services Secretary. The story also highlights the increasing scrutiny and sensationalism surrounding high-profile political figures' personal lives.