Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has revealed that he is under investigation regarding a decades-old incident involving a beached whale.

According to Fox News, Kennedy made this disclosure on September 15, 2024, during a campaign event for former President Donald Trump.

The investigation centers on allegations that Kennedy decapitated a dead whale and transported its skull across state lines approximately 20 years ago. This revelation comes in the wake of a left-wing environmental group recently bringing attention to the story and calling for an inquiry into the matter.

Kennedy's Claim Of Government Investigation

During the Trump campaign event, Kennedy shared that he had received official communication regarding the investigation. He stated that the National Marine Fisheries Institute had sent him a letter the previous week, informing him of their probe into his alleged collection of a whale specimen two decades prior.

Kennedy views this investigation as part of a broader issue, expressing his concern about the potential misuse of governmental powers. He characterized the situation as an example of the "weaponization of our government against political opponents," suggesting that the timing and nature of the investigation might be politically motivated.

The former presidential candidate did not provide specific details about the incident in question. However, he made it clear that he sees this investigation as an attempt to target him for political reasons rather than a genuine inquiry into environmental protection or wildlife conservation issues.

Origins Of The Whale Incident Story

While Kennedy did not elaborate on the details of the alleged incident, the story first came to public attention through an interview with his daughter, Kick Kennedy. In 2012, Kick Kennedy shared the anecdote with Town and Country Magazine, providing a vivid account of an event that supposedly took place around 1994.

According to Kick Kennedy's recollection, her father had cut off the head of a dead whale found on a beach in Massachusetts. She described how the family then transported the whale's skull by strapping it to the roof of their vehicle and driving it to Mount Kisco, New York.

Her account painted a rather colorful picture of the journey:

Every time we accelerated on the highway, whale juice would pour into the windows of the car, and it was the rankest thing on the planet. We all had plastic bags over our heads with mouth holes cut out, and people on the highway were giving us the finger, but that was just normal day-to-day stuff for us.

This story, while seemingly anecdotal at the time, has now become the focus of a federal investigation, raising questions about the intersection of environmental regulations, wildlife protection laws, and political motivations.

Legal And Environmental Implications

The resurfacing of this story has prompted discussions about potential legal violations. The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, a left-wing environmental group, has argued that Kennedy's alleged actions may have contravened several wildlife protection laws.

The group contends that the dead whale would have been protected under the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Acts, making it illegal to possess any part of the animal. Furthermore, they suggest that transporting the whale skull across state lines could potentially constitute a felony violation of the 1900 Lacey Act.

This Act prohibits the transportation of any wildlife, whether dead or alive, that was obtained in violation of state, federal, or international regulations. The environmental group's decision to bring this story back into the spotlight, particularly in the context of Kennedy's recent political activities, has added a layer of complexity to the situation.

Political Context And Timing

The timing of this investigation has raised eyebrows in political circles. The renewed interest in the whale incident comes shortly after Kennedy withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and publicly endorsed Donald Trump. This sequence of events has led some, including Kennedy himself, to question whether the investigation is purely coincidental or if it carries political undertones.

Kennedy's transition from a presidential candidate to a Trump supporter has already stirred controversy within political and media circles. The investigation into this decades-old incident adds another dimension to the ongoing discussions about Kennedy's political stance and his relationship with both the Democratic establishment and the Trump campaign.

It's worth noting that this is not the only recent controversy involving Kennedy and wildlife. He has also admitted to disposing of a dead bear's body in New York City's Central Park over a decade ago, further complicating his public image in relation to environmental and wildlife issues.

Why This Story Matters

This case is significant because it showcases the intersection of environmental law and political life, reminding the public and policymakers alike of the enduring responsibilities and consequences tied to environmental conservation. Furthermore, it raises critical questions about the timing and motivations of legal accusations, enlightening the community on the complexities of political influence and legal frameworks.

Conclusion

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently facing an investigation over an alleged incident involving a beached whale that occurred approximately 20 years ago. The story, which includes claims of decapitating the whale and transporting its skull across state lines, was initially shared by Kennedy's daughter in a 2012 magazine interview. Kennedy views the investigation as politically motivated, coming shortly after his endorsement of Donald Trump. The case raises questions about wildlife protection laws and the potential use of government agencies in political contexts.