HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Declares He Doesn't Fear Germs, Citing Addiction as Greater Threat
In a candid and surprising revelation, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted to podcaster Theo Von on Thursday that he harbors no fear of germs whatsoever. This unusual stance stems from a deeply personal and graphic perspective rooted in his long battle with substance abuse.
A Startling Admission Grounded in Recovery
The conversation began with Kennedy recalling how he and Von first met prior to the COVID-19 pandemic at early morning recovery meetings. Kennedy, who has been in recovery from drug addiction for over four decades, emphasized the critical importance of this process to his ongoing well-being. He described maintaining connection through a clandestine "pirate" group that continued to meet secretly even during lockdowns.
"I said this when we came in, and I said, 'I don't care what happens, I'm going to a meeting every day,'" Kennedy stated. He then elaborated, drawing a stark comparison between the dangers of addiction and viral infection. "I'm not scared of a germ; I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats. I know this disease will kill me," he asserted. "If I don't treat it, which for me means going to meetings every day, it's just bad for my life."
Remark Fits Pattern of Unconventional Statements
This latest comment aligns with a history of Kennedy's often bizarre and controversial public remarks, which extend beyond his widely criticized and unsubstantiated claims regarding vaccine safety. For instance, back in October, following former President Donald Trump's pledge to make IVF more affordable, Kennedy faced ridicule for declaring, "Our parents aren't having children." More recently, earlier this week, he praised working for Trump, calling it "a joy because he lets me do stuff that I don't think anybody else would ever let me do."
The Secretary's blunt analogy about his past drug use underscores his view that the lifelong struggle with addiction presents a far more immediate and lethal danger than common pathogens. His commitment to daily recovery meetings remains non-negotiable, framed as a vital defense against a disease he believes is ultimately fatal if left untreated.
Resources for Support
For individuals struggling with substance use disorder or mental health issues, help is available. In the United States, the SAMHSA National Helpline can be reached at 800-662-HELP (4357).
