HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Discusses Past Cocaine Use

Kennedy opens up about his history of drug abuse during podcast interview.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted to having snorted cocaine off toilet seats while recounting his past drug abuse and decades of recovery during a podcast interview. Kennedy revealed the details of his past substance use while discussing the importance of attending recovery meetings, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

Kennedy's candid admission about his past cocaine use provides a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of a high-ranking government official, highlighting the challenges of addiction recovery even among those in positions of power and influence.

The details

During an episode of the 'This Past Weekend with Theo Von' podcast, Kennedy revealed that he had met the comedian during recovery meetings held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This gave the HHS chief an opportunity to remark that he was 'not scared of a germ — I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats.' Kennedy further discussed the importance of attending recovery meetings regularly as part of his ongoing journey to maintain sobriety.

  • The podcast interview was recorded on February 13, 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has openly discussed his past struggles with drug addiction.

Theo Von

A comedian who hosted the podcast interview where Kennedy made his admission.

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What they’re saying

“I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services (This Past Weekend with Theo Von)

The takeaway

Kennedy's candid admission highlights the ongoing challenges of addiction recovery, even for those in positions of power, and underscores the importance of open dialogue and destigmatizing discussions around substance abuse issues.