Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s distinctively strained, quivering voice has become a topic of discussion, particularly as he takes on a more vocal role as U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump.
His voice condition is caused by a rare neurological disorder—spasmodic dysphonia—that Kennedy has lived with for more than two decades. Here's what to know about the disorder, how it affects him, and what he's said about it.
Who is RFK Jr.?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an environmental attorney serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services since February 2025.
He is the son of former U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. He rose to prominence as an environmental advocate, notably working with the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Hudson Riverkeeper.
Kennedy has drawn attention for his controversial views on vaccines and public health. In 2024, Kennedy launched an independent bid for the presidency after initially entering the Democratic primary.
On Wednesday, Kennedy made his first appearance before Congress since he was confirmed to give testimony on the White House's budget request.
What's Wrong with RFK Jr.'s Voice?
Kennedy's voice has been a defining feature of his public appearances for more than a decade, characterized by a strained, hoarse, and tremulous quality.
This has led to public curiosity and occasional speculation about his health. The cause is a rare neurological disorder called spasmodic dysphonia.
First noticed in the late 1990s, the condition significantly altered how Kennedy communicated in speeches and interviews.
What is Spasmodic Dysphonia?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, spasmodic dysphonia causes involuntary spasms in the muscles of the voice box or larynx. This causes the voice to break and have a strained sound. It's a lifelong condition and more often affects women rather than men.
It is considered a type of focal dystonia—a neurological condition that causes muscle spasms in a specific part of the body.
According to The Educated Patient, the disorder typically presents in one of three forms: adductor, abductor, or mixed. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia causes the vocal cords to slam together, while abductor is the opening of the cords.
While the exact cause remains unclear, it is believed to involve abnormalities in brain areas responsible for muscle control.
What Has RFK Jr. Said About His Voice Condition?
Kennedy has spoken candidly about his experience living with spasmodic dysphonia.
In an April 2024 interview with The Los Angeles Times, he said he first noticed the problem with his voice when he was 42, teaching at Pace University School of Law in New York. He was a longtime lecturer and had co-hosted a radio show.
"I would say it was ironic because I made my living on my voice," he said.
Kennedy reiterated that he was in a vocal job position when he first discovered the disorder. "I had a very, very strong voice ... it was unusually strong," he said to NewsNation on a broadcast in 2023. "Even at that time, I was making a lot of my income doing public speaking."
An injection of Botox into the vocal cord is a common treatment for the disorder. Despite undergoing multiple Botox treatments even as far back as 2004, Kennedy's voice has remained noticeably affected. He said in 2023 that he doesn't like to listen to himself on TV.
He told The Los Angeles Times that he feels "sorry for the people who have to listen to me."
"My voice doesn't really get tired," he explained. "It just sounds terrible. But the injury is neurological, so actually the more I use the voice the stronger it tends to get."
Still, Kennedy has emphasized that his disorder does not hinder his ability to think, reason, or lead. For some, Kennedy is shining a light on spasmodic dysphonia.