RFK Jr. Recalls Snorting Cocaine Off Toilet Seats Before Sobriety

The HHS Secretary opened up about his past drug use and recovery journey.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In a podcast interview, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disclosed that he previously snorted cocaine off toilet seats before getting sober. Kennedy, who has been transparent about his history of substance abuse, said he continued attending in-person recovery meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting he "wasn't scared of a germ" since he "used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats."

Why it matters

Kennedy's candid remarks about his past drug use and recovery efforts provide insight into his personal experiences and help destigmatize discussions around addiction. As a high-profile public figure, his openness can encourage others struggling with substance abuse to seek help.

The details

During an episode of the 'This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von' podcast, Kennedy disclosed that he and the host had met in recovery years ago. Kennedy explained that he continued attending in-person recovery meetings throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, saying he wasn't afraid of the illness because he "used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats." The HHS secretary has previously spoken about his family history of addiction and the first time he took LSD at age 15, which led him down a path to heroin addiction.

  • Kennedy made the remarks during a Thursday episode of the 'This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von' podcast.
  • In April 2025, Kennedy recounted the story of first taking LSD at age 15 during an event in Nashville, Tennessee.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has been open about his history of substance abuse and recovery efforts.

Theo Von

The host of the 'This Past Weekend' podcast, who met Kennedy in recovery years ago.

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What they’re saying

“We still did live meetings every day during COVID. We moved from the bank. There was about 15 of us who moved from the bank and we got into the Palisades Playhouse, which now is burned down during the fire, but it was kind of a pirate group … I don't care what happens, I'm going to a meeting every day. And I said, I'm not scared of a germ. You know, I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats. And I know this disease will kill me, right?”

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

The takeaway

Kennedy's candid remarks about his past drug use and commitment to recovery serve as a powerful reminder that addiction can affect anyone, even those in positions of authority. His openness can help destigmatize discussions around substance abuse and encourage others struggling with similar issues to seek the support they need.