Cheryl Hines & Husband RFK Jr. Almost Did One Drastic Thing Ahead Of His Presidential Campaign
To say that Cheryl Hines got more than she bargained for when she married Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would be a massive understatement. The controversy-stoking United States Secretary of Health and Human Services became an increasingly polarizing figure in the years following the couple's marriage in 2014, as he made some pretty wild statements. For instance, when RFK Jr. gave a speech at an anti-vax rally in January 2022, he implied that Jewish people could travel across the border to escape the Nazis during the Holocaust, but anti-vaxxers had nowhere to go to avoid vaccination mandates.
The wave of criticism that ensued also swept up the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star. Although Hines took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to clarify that she did not stand by her husband's offensive remarks, it wasn't enough to put her in the clear. In fact, during a June 2023 interview with the New York Times, RFK Jr. revealed that he offered to publicly fake a separation with Hines during those trying times so she could catch a break from all the hate that was coming her way.
As the controversial politician explained, "I felt so desperate about protecting her at a time where my statements and my decisions were impacting her." RFK Jr. went so far as to have a press release written up about their split. Although Hines was annoyed by her husband's offensive comments, she never seriously considered the fake separation. Additionally, in an October 2025 chat with CBS News, the comedian admitted to being confused by RFK Jr.'s drastic offer. "I didn't understand what, how that was gonna help," she said. "But I understood what he was talking about. I appreciated it."
RFK Jr. doesn't seem to have learned from his past mistakes
One of the biggest red flags in Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines' relationship is that, rather than learning from his past mistakes, the divisive politician continued refusing to seriously consider her opinions on political matters, even though his choices affected her. When the celebrity couple attended a red carpet event for "Curb Your Enthusiasm" in January 2024, Variety asked for their thoughts on RFK Jr. joining Donald Trump's 2024 presidential ticket. He jokingly replied, "I don't think that my marriage would survive it," and the comedian quickly agreed. Although Hines made her feelings on a potential Trump and RFK Jr. campaign crystal clear, it doesn't seem like her husband heard her, or cared.
In August 2024, the once-Independent Party candidate publicly endorsed the former "Apprentice" host after ending his own bid for office and also later joined the Trump administration to boot. Speaking on "TMZ Live" in August 2024, the environmental lawyer confirmed that his staunchly Democratic wife did not want him to throw his weight behind the controversial Republican candidate. But RFK Jr. clarified that although her primary feelings about his endorsement were "trepidation" and "discomfort," she still remained supportive and respectful of his decision.
Given all this, it's unsurprising that, in October 2024, a Page Six insider claimed that RFK Jr.'s rumored affair with Olivia Nuzzi wouldn't be the reason for his split with Hines. "She knew she was getting in with a Kennedy, who are known for being infamous womanizers," the insider dished. "But she never signed up to be a member of Trump World!" Worse, by 2025, RFK Jr.'s wife was reportedly facing major consequences due to his MAGA lifestyle.