WATCH: RFK Jr. Fires Back After His Running Mate Nicole Shanahan Claims He’s ‘Controlled’ — And It’s Not by Trump
Washington, D.C. – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vehemently denied claims by his former running mate Nicole Shanahan that he’s being “controlled” by someone other than President Donald Trump, during a Fox News interview on May 8, 2025. The exchange, captured in a video shared by @AutismCapital on X [], viewed over 1.4 million times, has conservatives like @PatriotPulse cheering Kennedy’s defense: “RFK Jr. stands with Trump—Shanahan’s just part of the deep state’s lies!”
Video:
Shanahan, reacting to Trump’s nomination of Casey Means as surgeon general on May 7, accused Kennedy of lying about not appointing the Means siblings, per @NicoleShanahan on X []. She claimed, “It has been clear in recent conversations that he is reporting to someone regularly who is controlling his decisions (and it isn’t President Trump),” and labeled them “Manchurian assets,” per dailycaller.com []. Kennedy, in the Fox News studio with a backdrop of American flags, responded, “My decisions are guided by evidence-based science and President Trump’s directives to root out corruption,” per foxnews.com []. The interview, part of a segment on Trump restricting gain-of-function research, shows Kennedy in a dark suit, flanked by other officials, per the image [].
Yes, it's very strange. Doesn't make any sense. I was promised that if I supported RFK Jr. in his Senate confirmation that neither of these siblings would be working under HHS or in an appointment (and that people much more qualified would be). I don't know if RFK very clearly… https://t.co/KDb5O5MvAM
— Nicole Shanahan (@NicoleShanahan) May 8, 2025
Shanahan’s accusations follow Candace Owens’ March 2025 claim that Kennedy is part of an “elaborate sexual blackmail scheme” involving journalist Olivia Nuzzi and blogger Jessica Reed Kraus, per dailymail.co.uk []. Nuzzi allegedly had a “digital affair” with Kennedy in 2024, while Kraus, tied to Ghislaine Maxwell, has been seen at the White House, per nypost.com []. Conservatives see Shanahan’s claims as an attack on Trump’s agenda. @America1stMAGA wrote, “Shanahan’s trying to undermine RFK Jr. and Trump—typical deep state tactics!” @JusticeForAll22 added, “RFK Jr.’s fighting back—Trump’s cleaning up HHS, and Shanahan’s just mad!”
With Trump’s administration having deported 88,763 illegal immigrants, per DHS [], and cut $2 trillion in federal spending, per whitehouse.gov [], conservatives view Kennedy’s denial as a stand against the deep state. The footage, with Kennedy’s firm demeanor, has become a rallying point, proving his loyalty to Trump’s mission to restore trust in federal health agencies amidst baseless attacks.
Alex D is a conservative journalist, who covers all issues of importance for conservatives. He writes for Conservative US, Red State Nation, Defiant America, and Supreme Insider. He brings attention and insight from what happens in the White House to the streets of American towns, because it all has an impact on our future, and the country left for our children. Exposing the truth is his ultimate goal, mixed with wit where it’s appropriate, and feels that journalism shouldn’t be censored. Join him & let’s spread the good word!
