Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing intense scrutiny after reports revealed he used a $9,000-an-hour military jet to campaign for Republican midterm candidates in Iowa. While the White House and agency lawyers approved the travel, the flights contrast sharply with commercial alternatives. The incident coincides with broader ethical debates as other Trump Cabinet officials, including Attorney General Todd Blanche, test Hatch Act boundaries by speaking at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas.
RFK Jr. military aircraft use
- ▪Chris Klomp, a top Health and Human Services official nominated to be deputy secretary, questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s use of military aircraft, after which Kennedy agreed not to use the plane.
- ▪The White House and Department of Health and Human Services lawyers approved the travel plan allowing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to use military aircraft.
- ▪U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was granted access to military aircraft for domestic travel, including trips to campaign for Republican candidates.
- ▪Robert F. Kennedy Jr. used an Air Force-operated Gulfstream jet costing $9,000 per hour to fly from Washington, D.C., to Des Moines, Iowa, on August 17, 2026.
Campaign appearances at GOP events
- ▪Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to Iowa on August 17, 2026, to campaign alongside Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks and gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn.
- ▪White House officials supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign travel in hopes his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda would win over voters who do not typically support Republicans.
Hatch Act violations
- ▪The Hatch Act prohibits federal executive branch employees from participating in political campaigns in an official capacity, fundraising, or using their official titles to influence elections.
- ▪The Justice Department defended Attorney General Todd Blanche's appearance at the Republican midterm convention, stating he spoke in his personal capacity and received ethics approval.
- ▪Multiple Trump administration Cabinet members, including Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, spoke at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas.
Rand Paul staff travel costs
- ▪A spokesperson for Senator Rand Paul defended the $17,827 private jet flight, calling it the most efficient means for the investigative team to participate in activities that day.
- ▪Six staffers for Senator Rand Paul traveled by private jet from Washington to Pittsburgh following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, costing taxpayers $17,827.
Active-duty military political restrictions
- ▪Air Force Major Jason Watson faces charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for failing to obey regulations after vocally criticizing Donald Trump while in uniform.
- ▪Active-duty Navy sailor Wilbert Joseph Castañeda appeared on stage at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas on September 10, 2026.
- ▪Defense Department Directive 1344.10 prohibits active-duty service members from participating in partisan political rallies and conventions, though they may attend as non-uniformed spectators.
Debatable claims
- ▪Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should not use military aircraft for campaign travel
- ▪Cabinet members should be barred from speaking at partisan political conventions
- ▪The military should discipline active-duty service members who participate in partisan political events
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