Key Takeaways:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, faced backlash after swimming in a sewage-contaminated creek.
- The creek, located in Washington D.C.’s Rock Creek Park, has been unsafe for swimming for over 50 years due to high levels of fecal bacteria.
- Kennedy shared photos of the swim on social media, raising concerns about his judgment as a health official.
- His poll numbers have dropped, with 66% of people saying they don’t trust him on health issues.
Shocking Images and Controversy
In a bizarre incident that left many scratching their heads, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made headlines for swimming shirtless in a creek contaminated with sewage. The location? Washington D.C.’s Rock Creek Park, a place where swimming has been banned for decades.
Erin Burnett, a CNN anchor, covered the story, clearly uncomfortable with the details. “This is not The Onion,” she told viewers, referencing the satirical news site. She described how Kennedy proudly posted photos of his dip in the polluted water, calling it “disgusting” and laughable.
The creek is notorious for its unsafe conditions. For over 50 years, health officials have warned against swimming there due to dangerously high levels of fecal bacteria. Adding to the controversy, the city recently announced repairs to a major sewer line near the park, raising questions about whether the water could get even dirtier.
Health Risks and Banned Waters
Rock Creek Park is a popular spot in Washington D.C., but its waters are far from safe. The creek has long been contaminated with sewage and other pollutants, making it a health hazard. Despite this, Kennedy decided to take a swim with his grandchildren, a decision many are calling reckless.
Burnett emphasized how shocking it was to see the Health Secretary, of all people, ignoring clear warnings about the water’s safety. “If anyone should know better, it’s him,” she said.
The incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning Kennedy’s judgment. As the head of Health and Human Services, he’s supposed to be a trusted figure on health issues. Yet, his actions seem to contradict that role.
Poll Numbers Dive
The swimming incident is just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Kennedy. According to CNN’s data analyst Harry Enten, Kennedy’s public trust has hit a new low. In March 2025, 66% of people said they had little to no trust in him when it comes to health issues.
“This is someone who should be trusted a lot on health matters, and yet, people are losing faith,” Enten explained.
Enten compared the situation to a bizarre rumor that once circulated about Kennedy having a tapeworm in his brain. “Now people are joking that maybe he picked up another one from that dirty water,” he added.
The Tapeworm Joke and Public Reaction
The tapeworm comment, though made in jest, highlights how Kennedy’s actions have become fodder for jokes and memes. Social media exploded with reactions, ranging from disgust to disbelief.
“Please don’t tell me that’s absolutely foul and disgusting because I’m well aware of that,” Burnett said when discussing the story. Many viewers expressed similar feelings, with some calling Kennedy’s behavior “genuinely baffling.”
The incident has also raised questions about accountability. How could the nation’s top health official so blatantly disregard public health warnings?
What’s Next for RFK Jr.?
As the backlash grows, Kennedy’s future in his role remains uncertain. His slipping poll numbers and growing distrust from the public could signal trouble ahead.
The sewage swim incident is just one piece of a larger puzzle. With his credibility already in question, Kennedy will need to work hard to rebuild trust.
For now, the viral photos of his contaminated creek dip are a stark reminder of the challenges he faces—both in the water and in the court of public opinion.