RFK Jr believes the CIA had a role in assassinating JFK and wants to get his daughter-in-law near the top of the agency to help prove it

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign manager and daughter-in-law, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, is seeking the role of deputy director at the CIA next year, with Kennedy himself reportedly advocating for her, Axios has learned.

Why It Matters

Fox Kennedy, a key figure in Kennedy's campaign, has a background in intelligence, having worked nearly a decade at the CIA, as detailed in her memoir. Unlike the agency's director role, the deputy position does not require Senate confirmation.

President-elect Donald Trump has already named John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA as part of his plans to overhaul U.S. intelligence agencies during his second term. The deputy director role is one of the top intelligence positions still unfilled. Politico reported that Kash Patel, set to lead the FBI, and former Trump administration official Cliff Sims were also contenders for the position.

Fox Kennedy did not respond to Axios' request for comment on the matter.

Background

Fox Kennedy's 2019 memoir, Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA, provided an in-depth personal account of her time at the agency, describing how she joined in her early 20s and became one of its youngest female officers. She operated as a "nonofficial cover," meaning she worked under a false identity without diplomatic protections.

However, the memoir drew controversy within the CIA, as Fox Kennedy reportedly bypassed the agency's Publication Review Board, which vets former officers’ writings to ensure classified information is not disclosed. Freelance journalist Yashar Ali reported that the agency was displeased with her decision to publish without its approval.

Current Role

Fox Kennedy became Kennedy's campaign manager in October 2023, overseeing his independent presidential bid and managing the challenges of securing ballot access in all 50 states. After suspending his campaign in August, Kennedy endorsed Trump, who later nominated him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Statements

“President-elect Trump has made brilliant decisions on who will serve in his second Administration at lightning pace,” said Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team. “Remaining decisions will continue to be announced by him when they are made.”

A spokesperson for Kennedy's team has yet to respond to Axios' inquiry.