RFK Jr.'s Cocaine Admission Sparks Backlash from Healthcare Group

Nonprofit calls for Health Secretary's resignation over past drug use comments

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, has come under fire from a healthcare nonprofit group after he admitted to using cocaine in the past, including snorting it off toilet seats. The group, Protect Our Care, has issued a public statement calling for Kennedy's resignation, stating that his admission shows he is "the most dangerous, in over his head, ill-suited person ever to lead such an important federal agency that has life-and-death power."

Why it matters

RFK Jr.'s past struggles with substance abuse and his recent candid comments about using hard drugs like cocaine raise serious concerns about his ability to effectively lead the Department of Health and Human Services, an agency with significant influence over public health policies and programs. The backlash from Protect Our Care highlights the political and ethical implications of having a federal health secretary with a history of drug use.

The details

In a recent appearance on the podcast "This Past Weekend," RFK Jr. revealed that he "used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats." This admission comes after he has previously spoken openly about his battles with opioid addiction and other substance abuse issues, tracing them back to the assassination of his father, former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968. Protect Our Care, a nonprofit that advocates for affordable healthcare, has now issued a statement calling for RFK Jr.'s resignation, saying his comments show he is "the most dangerous, in over his head, ill-suited person ever to lead such an important federal agency that has life-and-death power."

  • In April 2025, RFK Jr. revealed at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville that his first encounter with drugs occurred after his father's assassination in 1968.
  • On February 12, 2026, Protect Our Care issued a public statement calling for RFK Jr.'s resignation following his recent cocaine admission.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary who has admitted to past cocaine use, including snorting it off toilet seats.

Protect Our Care

A nonprofit healthcare advocacy organization that has called for RFK Jr.'s resignation over his past drug use comments.

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What they’re saying

“With his statement today that 'I'm not scared of a germ. I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats,' Trump HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to lay bare why he is the most dangerous, in over his head, ill-suited person ever to lead such an important federal agency that has life-and-death power.”

— Protect Our Care, Organization (realitytea.com)

“Resign.”

— Brad Woodhouse, President, Protect Our Care (realitytea.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.